Power supply and method related thereto

ABSTRACT

Some embodiments include an electrical system. In many embodiments, the electrical system can include a power input. In the same or different embodiments, the electrical system can include at least one power output configured to be electrically coupled to at least one load. In the same or different embodiments, the electrical system can include a first user input device configured to provide a start up input. In the same or different embodiments, the electrical system can include a second user input device configured to provide a time select input. In the same or different embodiments, the electrical system can include an internal assembly. In many embodiments, the internal assembly can include a power switch module, a power conserve module, a power supply module, and a control module.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of: (1) U.S. Provisional ApplicationSer. No. 61/292,490, filed on Jan. 5, 2010; (2) PCT Application No.PCT/US2009/041476, filed Apr. 22, 2009; and (3) U.S. Non-Provisionalapplication Ser. No. 12/428,468, filed on Apr. 22, 2009. PCT ApplicationNo. PCT/US2009/041476 and U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No.12/428,468 both claim the benefit of: (1) U.S. Provisional ApplicationSer. No. 61/155,468, filed on Feb. 25, 2009; and (2) U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 61/047,070, filed on Apr. 22, 2008.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Subject matter described herein relates to power supply devices, andmore particularly to the internal power management of power supplies forelectronic devices.

BACKGROUND

Electronic devices of all types have become more and more common ineveryday life. Electronic devices include non-portable devices as wellas portable devices. Examples of non-portable electronic devices includewired telephones, routers (wired and wireless), wireless access points(WAPs) and the like. Examples of portable electronic devices includecellular phones, personal data assistants (PDAs), combination cellularphone and PDAs (e.g., a Blackberry® device available from Research inMotion (RIM®) of Ontario, Canada), cellular phone accessories (e.g., aBluetooth® enabled wireless headset), MP3 (Moving Pictures ExpertsGroup-1 Audio Layer 3) players (e.g., an iPod® device by Apple Inc.(Apple®) of Cupertino, Calif.), compact disc (CD) players, and digitalvideo disk (DVD) players. Along with the positive benefits of use ofsuch devices comes the requirement to power the devices and/orcommunicate with them. Power supplies use power even when not supplyingpower to electronic devices that are in electrical communication withthe power supplies. Reducing the administrative power consumption of thepower supplies for such devices can prove difficult.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To facilitate further description of the embodiments, the followingdrawings are provided in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an improved power supplyincluding aspects of the subject matter described herein;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of the improvedpower supply of FIG. 1 including aspects of the subject matter describedherein;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating another embodiment of theimproved power supply of FIG. 1 including aspects of the subject matterdescribed herein;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating yet another embodiment of theimproved power supply of FIG. 1 including aspects of the subject matterdescribed herein;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of a metaloxide varistor (MOV) protection circuit portion of FIGS. 2-4 includingaspects of the subject matter described herein;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of the improvedpower supply of FIG. 2 that includes aspects of the subject matterdescribed herein;

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of the improvedpower supply of FIG. 3 that includes aspects of the subject matterdescribed herein;

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of the improvedpower supply of FIG. 4 that includes aspects of the subject matterdescribed herein;

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating another embodiment of theimproved power supply of FIG. 2 that includes aspects of the subjectmatter described herein;

FIG. 10 is block diagram illustrating a method for providing improvedpower that includes aspects of the subject matter described herein;

FIG. 11 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a housing for animproved power supply;

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating another embodiment of animproved power supply;

FIG. 13 is an embodiment of a schematic diagram of the improved powersupply of FIG. 12; and

FIGS. 14-17 are additional isometric views of the embodiment of thehousing for the improved power supply of FIG. 11.

The phrase “subject matter described herein” refers to subject matterdescribed in the Detailed Description unless the context clearlyindicates otherwise. The term “aspects” is to be read as “at least oneaspect.” Identifying aspects of the subject matter described in theDetailed Description is not intended to identify key or essentialfeatures of the claimed subject matter. The aspects described above andother aspects of the subject matter described herein are illustrated byway of example and not limited in the accompanying figures in which likereference numerals indicate substantially similar elements.

For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawing figuresillustrate the general manner of construction, and descriptions anddetails of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoidunnecessarily obscuring aspects of the subject matter described herein.Additionally, elements in the drawing figures are not necessarily drawnto scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in thefigures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improveunderstanding of embodiments of the subject matter described herein.

The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” and the like in theDetailed Description and in the claims, if any, are used fordistinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily fordescribing a particular sequential or chronological order. It is to beunderstood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriatecircumstances such that the embodiments of the subject matter describedherein are, for example, capable of operation in sequences other thanthose illustrated or otherwise described herein. Furthermore, the terms“include,” and “have,” and any variations thereof, are intended to covera non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, system, article,or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarilylimited to those elements, but may include other elements not expresslylisted or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

The terms “left,” “right,” “front,” “back,” “top,” “bottom,” “over,”“under,” and the like in the Detailed Description and in the claims, ifany, are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily fordescribing permanent relative positions. It is to be understood that theterms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances suchthat the aspects of the subject matter described herein are, forexample, capable of operation in other orientations than thoseillustrated or otherwise described herein. The term “on,” as usedherein, is defined as on, at, or otherwise substantially adjacent to ornext to or over.

The terms “couple,” “coupled,” “couples,” “coupling,” and the likeshould be broadly understood and refer to connecting two or moreelements or signals, electrically, mechanically, or otherwise, eitherdirectly or indirectly through intervening circuitry and/or elements.Two or more electrical elements may be electrically coupled, eitherdirect or indirectly, but not be mechanically coupled; two or moremechanical elements may be mechanically coupled, either direct orindirectly, but not be electrically coupled; two or more electricalelements may be mechanically coupled, directly or indirectly, but not beelectrically coupled. Coupling (whether only mechanical, onlyelectrical, both, or otherwise) may be for any length of time, e.g.,permanent or semi-permanent or only for an instant.

“Electrical coupling” and the like should be broadly understood andinclude coupling involving any electrical signal, whether a powersignal, a data signal, and/or other types or combinations of electricalsignals. “Mechanical coupling” and the like should be broadly understoodand include mechanical coupling of all types.

The absence of the word “removably,” “removable,” and the like near theword “coupled,” and the like does not mean that the coupling, etc. inquestion is or is not removable. For example, the recitation of a clipbeing coupled to an outer casing does not mean that the clip cannot beremoved (readily or otherwise) from, or that it is permanently connectedto, the outer casing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES OF EMBODIMENTS

Some embodiments include an electrical system. In many embodiments, theelectrical system can comprise a power input. In the same or differentembodiments, the electrical system can comprise at least one poweroutput configured to be electrically coupled to at least one load. Inthe same or different embodiments, the electrical system can comprise afirst user input device configured to provide a start up input. In thesame or different embodiments, the electrical system can comprise asecond user input device configured to provide a time select input. Inthe same or different embodiments, the electrical system can comprise aninternal assembly. In many embodiments, the internal assembly cancomprise a power switch module electrically coupled between the powerinput and the at least one power output. In various embodiments, thepower switch module can be configured to receive a first power signalfrom the power input. In the same or different embodiments, the powerswitch module can comprise a control mechanism configured to open andclose to regulate a flow of the first power signal to the at least onepower output. In many embodiments, the internal assembly can comprise apower conserve module electrically coupled to the power switch module.In various embodiments, the power conserve module can be configured toreceive the first power signal from the power switch module, to receivethe start up input from the first user input device, and to attenuatethe first power signal to a second power signal and a third power signalat different times. In many embodiments, the internal assembly cancomprise a power supply module electrically coupled between the powerswitch module and the power conserve module. In the same or differentembodiments, the power supply module can be configured to receive thesecond power signal and the third power signal at different times fromthe power conserve module, to convert the second power signal into afourth power signal and a fifth power signal at different times, toconvert the third power signal into a sixth power signal and a seventhpower signal at different times, and to provide the fourth power signaland the sixth power signal at different times to the power switchmodule. In many embodiments, the internal assembly can comprise acontrol module electrically coupled between the power supply module andthe power switch module. In the same or different embodiments, thecontrol module can be configured to receive the fifth power signal andthe seventh power signal at different times from the power supply moduleand to receive the time select input from the second user input device.

Further embodiments can include a method for manufacturing an electricalsystem. In many embodiments, the method can comprise: providing a powerinput; providing at least one power output configured to be electricallycoupled to at least one load; providing a first user input deviceconfigured to provide a start up input; providing a second user inputdevice configured to provide a time select input; providing an internalassembly comprising, where the internal assembly comprises a powerswitch module configured to receive a first power signal from the powerinput and comprising a control mechanism that opens and closes toregulate a flow of the first power signal to the at least one poweroutput, a power conserve module configured to receive the first powersignal, to receive the start up input, and to attenuate the first powersignal to a second power signal and a third power signal, a power supplymodule configured to receive the second power signal and the third powersignal, to convert the second power signal into a fourth power signaland a fifth power signal, to convert the third power signal into a sixthpower signal and a seventh power signal, and to provide the fourth powersignal and the sixth power signal to the power switch module, and acontrol module configured to receive the fifth power signal, the seventhpower signal, and the time select input; coupling the power input to thepower switch module; coupling the at least one power output to the powerswitch module; coupling the power switch module to the power conservemodule; coupling the power switch module to the power supply module;coupling the power conserve module to the power supply module; couplingthe power supply module to the control module; and coupling the controlmodule to the power switch module.

Other embodiments can include a method for regulating a flow of a firstpower signal to at least one power output attenuating the first powersignal to a second power signal having a lower voltage than the firstpower signal. In the same or different embodiments, the method cancomprise: converting the second power signal to a third power signal anda fourth power signal, the second power signal having an alternatingcurrent and the third power signal and fourth power signal having directcurrents; permitting the first power signal to flow to the at least onepower output after receiving a control mechanism activation signal;activating a countdown register such that the countdown register countsdown from a time interval until the time interval elapses; attenuatingthe first power signal to a fifth power signal having a lower voltagethan the first power signal and the second power signal; converting thefifth power signal to a sixth power signal and a seventh power signal,the fifth power signal having an alternating current and the sixth powersignal and the seventh power signal having direct currents; powering thecontrol mechanism with the sixth power signal such that the controlmechanism remains in a state permitting the first power signal to flowto the at least one power output; referencing the countdown register todetermine whether the time interval has elapsed; prohibiting the firstpower signal from flowing to the at least one power output when the timeinterval elapses or after the time interval; and prohibiting the flow ofthe first power signal to the at least one power output such thatapproximately zero power passes to the at least one power output whenthe countdown register is not counting down from the time interval.

In some examples, a relocatable power tap can be configured to removablycouple to an external device. The relocatable power tap can include: (a)at least one controlled power outlet; (b) a power supply circuitconfigured to receive an input AC power signal and produce an output ACpower signal, the power supply circuit having a first stage and a secondstage, the first stage of the power supply circuit configured to producea first DC power signal and the second stage of the power supply circuitconfigured to produce a second DC power signal; (c) a control circuit inelectrical communication with the power supply circuit and configured toreceive the output AC power signal, the first DC power signal, and thesecond DC power signal, the control circuit can include: (1) a drivercircuit, the driver circuit configured to receive the second DC powersignal as a power source, the driver circuit further configured toreceive a command signal and produce a control signal based on thecommand signal; and (2) a controlled switching circuit in electricalcommunication with the driver circuit and configured to receive thefirst DC power signal as a power source and to receive the output ACpower signal, the controlled switching circuit further configured toreceive the control signal from the driver circuit and provide theoutput AC power signal to the at least one controlled power outlet basedon the control signal; and (d) an input circuit, the input circuitcoupled to the control circuit and configured to provide the commandsignal to the driver circuit of the control circuit, the command signalindicating whether the at least one controlled power outlet is toreceive the output AC power signal. The at least one controlled poweroutlet can have an input electrically coupled to the controlledswitching circuit and an output configured to electrically coupled tothe external device, the at least one controlled power outlet configuredto receive the output AC power signal from the controlled switchingcircuit and provide the output AC power signal to the external device.

In the same or different embodiment, a power supply for a relocatablepower tap can be configured to couple to an external load. The powersupply can include: (a) a first power supply module configured toreceive an input AC power signal; and (b) a second power supply modulecoupled to the first power supply module. The first power supply moduleand the second power supply module can be configured to provide anoutput AC power signal to the external load, a first DC power signal toa first internal load, and a second DC power signal to a second internalload.

In some examples, the first power supply module can include a reactivevoltage divider circuit, a rectifier circuit, and a shunt regulatorcircuit. The first power supply module can be configured to receive theinput AC power signal and produce the first DC power signal. The firstDC power signal can have at least a first state and a second state. Anamplitude of a voltage associate with the first state of the first DCpower signal can be sufficient to activate the first internal load. Anamplitude of a voltage associated with the second state of the first DCpower signal can be sufficient to maintain activation of the firstinternal load. The second power supply module can include a voltageregulator circuit. The second power supply module can be configured toreceive the first DC power signal and produce the second DC powersignal.

In many examples, the first power supply module can include a reactivevoltage divider circuit, a rectifier circuit, and a shunt regulatorcircuit. The first power supply module can be configured to receive theinput AC power signal and produce the first DC power signal. The firstDC power signal can have at least a first state and a second state. Anamplitude of a voltage associate with the first state of the first DCpower signal can be sufficient to activate the first internal load. Anamplitude of a voltage associated with the second state of the first DCpower signal can be sufficient to maintain activation of the firstinternal load. The second power supply module can include a reactivevoltage divider circuit, a rectifier circuit, and a voltage regulatorcircuit. The second power supply module can be configured to receive thefirst DC power signal and produce the second DC power signal.

In various embodiments, the power supply can further include atransformer having at least a primary winding and two or more secondarywindings. The transformer can be configured to receive the input ACpower signal and produce at least a first AC power signal and a secondAC power signal. The first power supply module can be reactively coupledand in electrical communication with a first secondary winding of thetwo or more secondary windings. The first power supply module caninclude a rectifier circuit and an energy storage circuit. The firstpower supply module can be configured to receive the first AC powersignal and produce the first DC power signal. The first DC power signalcan have at least a first state and a second state. An amplitude of avoltage associate with the first state of the first DC power signal canbe sufficient to activate the first internal load. An amplitude of avoltage associate with the second state of the first DC power signal canbe sufficient to maintain activation of the first internal load. Thesecond power supply module can be in electrical communication with asecond secondary winding of the two or more secondary windings. Thesecond power supply module can include a rectifier circuit and a voltageregulator circuit. The second power supply module can be configured toreceive the second AC power signal and produce the second DC powersignal.

In the same or different examples, the first internal load can be aswitch circuit coupled to the first power supply module and the secondpower supply module. The switch circuit can be operable to provide theoutput AC power signal to the external load when activated by the firstDC power signal.

In many examples, the second internal load is a control circuit coupledto the second power supply module, and the switch circuit. The controlcircuit can be operable to control the switch circuit when powered bythe first DC power signal. The switch circuit can be selected from thegroup consisting of: an electro-mechanical switch circuit, a solid-stateswitch circuit, or a vacuum tube switch circuit. The second internalload can be a control circuit coupled to the second power supply module,and the switch circuit; and the control circuit is operable to controlthe switch circuit when powered by the first DC power signal. Theexternal load is configured as one or more controlled power outlets.

Still other embodiments disclose a method for providing an output ACpower signal. The method can include: producing an output AC powersignal, a first DC power signal, and a second DC power signal at a powersupply and based on a received input AC power signal; producing acontrol signal at a control circuit at least in part based the second DCpower signal; powering a switch circuit with the first DC power signalbased on the control signal and the second DC power signal; andproviding the output AC power signal to a load when the switch circuitis powered.

In still further embodiments an apparatus can include: (a) a powersupply having: (1) a first power supply module configured to receive afirst input power signal and further configured to provide a first DCoutput power signal at a first power level; and (2) a second powersupply module electrically coupled to the first power supply module andconfigured to provide a second DC output power signal at a second powerlevel, the second power level is lower than the first power level; (b) afirst circuit receiving the first DC output power signal; and (c) asecond circuit receiving the second DC output power signal. In someexamples, the second power supply module is electrically coupled inseries with the first power supply module such that the second powersupply module receives the first DC output power signal as a secondinput power signal. In other examples, the second power supply module iselectrically coupled in parallel with the first power supply module suchthat the second power supply module receives the first input powersignal.

In additional embodiments,______

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of an exemplarysystem for providing a multi-outlet controlled power strip includingmultiple inputs, surge protection and incorporating an improved powersupply. FIG. 1 includes power strip 100 (also called a relocatable powertap (RPT)) including control circuitry 110, power plug 120, constant“on” outlet(s) 130, command input device 140 and controlled outlet(s)150. Control circuitry 110 is a circuit configured to receive powersignals and disperse power signals to constant “on” outlet(s) 130 andpossibly command input device 140 if so configured, and further dispersepower signals to controlled outlet(s) 150 based on input received fromcommand input device 140. Control circuitry 110 can include some or allthe improved power supply circuitry that is detailed in FIGS. 2-4 aswell as in FIGS. 6-8 below. In some embodiments, control circuitry 110additionally includes protection circuitry. Protection circuitry isdescribed in FIG. 2 and specifically detailed in FIG. 5, below.

Power plug 120 is an electrical conduit that is physically coupled toand in electrical communication with control circuitry 110. Power plug120 is configured to pass a power signal received from a power source tocontrol circuitry 110 when power plug 120 is physically coupled to andin electrical communication with a power source (not shown). Constant“on” outlet(s) 130 are a power outlet that are physically coupled to andin constant electrical communication with control circuitry 110 and arefurther configured to pass a power signal received from controlcircuitry 110 to any device with which it is in electricalcommunication.

Command input device 140 is any input device that is physically coupledto and in electrical communication with control circuitry 110 and isfurther configured to pass a command signal to control circuitry 110based on a received command signal or command action that command inputdevice 140 received previously. Controlled outlet(s) 150 are a poweroutlet that are physically coupled to and in controlled electricalcommunication with control circuitry 110 and are further selectivelyconfigured to pass a power signal received from control circuitry 110 toany device with which it is in electrical communication. Command inputdevice 140 can be implemented as any suitable command input device, suchas, for example a master outlet as part of a master/slave power stripconfiguration providing a control signal to control circuitry 110 bydrawing current from control circuitry 110, a receiver device providinga control signal to control circuitry 110, a sensing device providing acontrol signal to control circuitry 110, and the like. Examples of areceiver device providing a control signal to control circuitry 110include a radio frequency (RF) receiver, a light emitting diode (LED)receiver, a wireless networked receiver, a short range wireless receiverthat is part of a personal area network (PAN), and the like.

In operation, when power plug 120 is operably coupled to and inelectrical communication with an appropriate power source (e.g., analternating current (a.c.) or other power outlet fixture), power becomesavailable to constant “on” outlet(s) 130 and command input device 140,as appropriate. At this time, if command input device 140 has notprovided an appropriate command signal to control circuitry 110, poweris NOT available to controlled outlet(s) 150, and any device(s) operablycoupled to and in electrical communication with controlled outlet(s) 150will NOT receive any current or power. Control circuitry 110 isconfigured to detect when a control signal is received from commandinput device 140. In an example, when command input device 140 providesan “on” control signal to control circuitry 110, control circuitry 110will provide power to controlled outlet(s) 150 thereby providing currentand/or power to any devices coupled to and in electrical communicationwith controlled outlet(s) 150. Similarly, when command input device 140provides an “off” control signal to control circuitry 110 and thenchanges the control signal to an “on” control signal, control circuitry110 will provide power to controlled outlet(s) 150 thereby providingcurrent and/or power to any devices coupled to and in electricalcommunication with controlled outlet(s) 150.

The exemplary configuration illustrated in FIG. 1 allows a user, viaconstant “on” outlet(s) 130, the flexibility to assign certain devices(e.g., a clock, cable/satellite receiver, etc.) to be supplied withconstant power as well as determine when other devices receive power.Additionally, the configuration allows a user, via command input device140 and controlled outlet(s) 150, to control when power is supplied to aprimary device (e.g., a personal computer, such as, a laptop or desktopcomputer) as well as or in addition to secondary devices, such as,peripherals (e.g., printers, scanners, etc.).

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of an exemplarysystem for providing a multi-outlet controlled power strip includingsurge protection and incorporating an improved power supply. The powerstrip 200 in FIG. 2 is a detailed view of power strip 100 of FIG. 1. Asshown in FIG. 2, power strip 200 includes: control circuitry 110, powerplug 120, constant “on” outlet(s) 130, command input device 140(configured as a master outlet) and controlled outlet(s) 150. Controlcircuitry 110 includes metal oxide varistors (MOV) protection circuit260, hi-power (HI PWR) circuit 270, low-power (LO PWR) circuit 280 andcontrol circuit 290. Command input device 140 includes master outlet240, sensing (SENSE) circuit 242 amplification (AMP) circuit 244.Elements numbered as in FIG. 1 function in a substantially similarlyway.

MOV protection circuit 260 has an input and an output. The input of MOVprotection circuit 260 is electrically coupled and in communication withpower plug 120. The output of MOV protection circuit 260 is electricallycoupled and in communication with constant “on” outlet(s) 130, masteroutlet 240 portion of command input device 140, HI PWR circuit 270, LOPWR circuit 280, and control circuit 290. MOV protection circuit 260receives a power signal from power plug 120 and provides protected powersignals to constant “on” outlet(s) 130, command input device 140, HI PWRcircuit 270, LO PWR circuit 280, and control circuit 290. An embodimentof MOV protection circuit 260 is described in FIG. 5, below. Inoperation, MOV protection circuit 260 provides one or more of thefollowing: conditions the received power signal to, among other things,reduce incoming radiated and conducted high frequency signals and noise;reduces the amplitude of incoming overvoltage spikes/surges; providesprotection for power strip 200 from defective MOV units within MOVprotection circuit 260; and determines the presence of a groundconnection as well as communicate that information to a user. In short,MOV protection circuit 260 provides protected power to all othercircuitry and outlets within power strip 200.

HI PWR circuit 270 has an input and an output. The input of HI PWRcircuit 270 is electrically coupled and in communication with MOVprotection circuit 260, constant “on” outlet(s) 130, master outlet 240portion of command input device 140 and LO PWR circuit 280. The outputof HI PWR circuit 270 is electrically coupled and in communication withcontrol circuit 290. LO PWR circuit 280 has an input and an output. Theinput of LO PWR circuit 280 is electrically coupled and in communicationwith MOV protection circuit 260, constant “on” outlet(s) 130, masteroutlet 240 portion of command input device 140 and HI PWR circuit 270.The output of LO PWR circuit 280 is electrically coupled and incommunication with AMP circuit 244 portion of command input device 140.HI PWR circuit 270 and LO PWR circuit 280 each receive a protectedalternating current (AC) power signal from MOV protection circuit 260and generate different levels of low voltage power for the internalcircuitry of power strip 200. HI PWR circuit 270 and LO PWR circuit 280efficiently convert line AC power to the voltages required to operatecontrol circuit 290 and AMP circuit 244, respectively. HI PWR circuit270 and LO PWR circuit 280 can be optimized to take advantage of themost efficient power levels to run the internal circuitry of power strip200. In operation, LO PWR circuit 280 supplies real power to AMP circuit244, and HI PWR circuit 270 supplies real power to the control circuit290 allowing for efficient use of power. The uniqueness of this approachas compared to a more traditional single power supply approach is that apower savings as high as 4 to 1 can be achieved over the traditionalmethod. An embodiment of HI PWR circuit 270 and LO PWR circuit 280 andthe advantages of utilizing this configuration are further described inFIGS. 6-8, below.

Control circuit 290 has an input and an output. The input of controlcircuit 290 is electrically coupled and in separate communication withMOV protection circuit 260, HI PWR circuit 270 and AMP circuit 244portion of command input device 140. The output of control circuit 290is electrically coupled and in communication with controlled outlet(s)150. Control circuit 290 receives a real power signal from HI PWRcircuit 270 and additionally receives a driving signal from AMP circuit244 when a device that is plugged into master outlet 240 portion ofcommand input device 140 is drawing enough power to be active. Whencontrol circuit 290 receives the driving signal from AMP circuit 244,control circuit 290 allows current to flow between MOV protectioncircuit 260 and controlled outlet(s) 150.

SENSE circuit 242 of command input device 140 includes an input and anoutput. The input of SENSE circuit 242 is electrically coupled and incommunication with master outlet 240 of command input device 140. Theoutput of SENSE circuit 242 is electrically coupled and in communicationwith AMP circuit 244 of command input device 140. SENSE circuit 242monitors an output signal from master outlet 240 and provides a sensingsignal to AMP circuit 244 indicating whether or not master outlet 240 isin use or is at least drawing current above a threshold or minimumpredetermined valve. In operation, SENSE circuit 242 determines thatmaster outlet 240 is drawing current when a device that is in electricalcommunication with master outlet 240 is drawing enough current to exceeda current threshold, such as drawing enough current to power the devicein an “ON” state. In such a situation, SENSE circuit 242 produces asensing signal in response to master outlet 240 drawing at least apredetermined amount of current and provides the created sensing signalto AMP circuit 244. In some embodiments, SENSE circuit 242 is powered bymaster outlet 240 because master outlet 240 is always “ON.” In suchembodiments, current drawn from master outlet 240 that is monitored bySENSE circuit 242 can exclude the current (and power) that SENSE circuit242 requires to run, and/or SENSE circuit 242 can be programmed (byhardware, software, or otherwise) or adjusted to account for the current(and power) that SENSE circuit 242 draws from master outlet 240.

AMP circuit 244 of command input device 140 includes an input and anoutput. The input of AMP circuit 244 is electrically coupled and inseparate communication with SENSE circuit 242 and LO PWR circuit 280.The output of AMP circuit 244 is electrically coupled and incommunication with control circuit 290. AMP circuit 244 receives a realpower signal from LO PWR circuit 280 and additionally receives a sensingsignal from SENSE circuit 242 that is based on the status of masteroutlet 240. AMP circuit 244 compares the signal received from SENSEcircuit 242 to a threshold to determine whether master outlet 240 is“on.” If the signal received from SENSE circuit 242 equals or exceeds athreshold value, AMP circuit 244 generates a driving signal and providesthe generated driving signal to control circuit 290.

In operation, power strip 200 enables a user to configure the powerstrip to utilize one primary device (e.g., a personal computer, such as,a laptop or desktop computer) in electrical communication with commandinput device 140 configured as a master/slave device to control whenpower is supplied to secondary devices, such as, peripherals (e.g.,printers, scanners, etc.), desk lighting, and the like. In the same or adifferent embodiment, when a primary device is in “standby” state and iscoupled to and in electrical communication with command input device 140configured as a master/slave device, the primary device will receivecurrent from command input device 140, but the amount of current will belower than when the device is in the “on” state. In this “standby”state, the device is receiving current at a level that is below apredetermined threshold level. In an example of this embodiment, powerstrip 200 treats the “standby” state similar to the “off” state suchthat, in both of these states: (1) command input device 140 is notproviding sufficient power or current to the primary device that iscoupled to and in electrical communication with command input device140; and (2) control circuitry 110 will not provide power to controlledoutlet(s) 150 and, therefore, will not provide current to any secondarydevices coupled to and in electrical communication with controlledoutlet(s) 150. An example of this embodiment can occur when the primarydevice is a television.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating another embodiment of anexemplary system for providing a multi-outlet controlled power stripincluding surge protection and incorporating an improved power supply.Power strip 300 in FIG. 3 is a detailed view of power strip 100 ofFIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 3, power strip 300 includes: control circuitry110, power plug 120, constant “on” outlet(s) 130, command input device140 (configured as a wireless receiver) and controlled outlet(s) 150.Control circuitry 110 includes metal oxide varistors (MOV) protectioncircuit 260, hi-power (HI PWR) circuit 270, low-power (LO PWR) circuit280 and control circuit 290. Command input device 140 includes antenna341, receiver circuit 343, logic circuit 345 and switch 348. Elementsnumbered as in FIGS. 1 and/or 2 function in a substantially similarlyway.

Antenna 341 of command input device 140 includes an input and an output.The input of antenna 341 is wirelessly coupled and in communication witha transmitter (not shown). The output of antenna 341 is electricallycoupled and in communication with receiver circuit 343 of command inputdevice 140. Antenna 341 takes in radiated signals, which includeinformation such as commands, in the form of waves of energy, known aselectromagnetic signals, via cable, wire, ambient air, sensors or othermediums. Antenna 341 passes the received signals to receiver circuit343. In one embodiment, antenna 341 can be a portion of the circuitboard that is part of receiver circuit 343, a wire antenna, or acommercially available antenna. Command input device 140 additionallyincludes switch 348. Switch 348 includes an input and an output. Theinput of switch 348 is configured to receive commands from a user. Theoutput of switch 348 is electrically coupled to and in communicationwith logic circuit 345. In some embodiments, switch 348 is implementedas a manual switch. In other embodiments, switch 348 may be implementedas any other user input device capable of performing similarfunctionality including a mechanical switch in physical communicationwith logic circuit 345 and the like.

Receiver circuit 343 of command input device 140 includes an input andan output. The input of receiver circuit 343 is electrically coupled andin communication with antenna 341, and the output of receiver circuit343 is electrically coupled and in communication with logic circuit 345.In one embodiment, receiver circuit 343 is electrically coupled and incommunication with LO PWR circuit 280. Receiver circuit 343 isconfigured to receive received signals from antenna 341, produce acommand signal and pass the produced command signal to logic circuit345. Receiver circuit 343 typically includes a tuner, a detector and anamplifier. The tuner resonates at a particular frequency and amplifiesthe resonant frequency. The detector detects the command signal withinthe received signal and extracts the command signal from the receivedsignal. The amplifier amplifies the received command signal. In otherembodiments, the same or different components provide substantiallysimilar functionality and may combine functionality of the abovedescribed components. Receiver circuit 343 can be implemented as anysuitable receiver circuit.

Logic circuit 345 of command input device 140 includes an input and anoutput. The input of logic circuit 345 is electrically coupled and incommunication with receiver circuit 343, switch 348 and LO PWR circuit280. The output of logic circuit 345 is electrically coupled and incommunication with control circuit 290. Logic circuit 345 receives areceived command signal from receiver circuit 343, generates anoperational signal based on the logic within logic circuit 345 andpasses the generated operational signal to control circuit 290. Logiccircuit 345 can be implemented as any suitable logic circuit.

In operation, power strip 300 enables a user to wirelessly control thepower strip to control when power is supplied to devices, such as, apersonal computer or peripherals that are in electrical communicationwith controlled outlet(s) 150. In the same or a different embodiment, auser can wirelessly control power strip 300 using one or a number ofelectromagnetic methodologies, such as, for example infrared spectrum,wireless networking spectrum including personal area network (PAN)spectrum, radio frequency (RF) spectrum, light emitting diode (LED)spectrum, and the like. In one embodiment, power strip 300 enables auser to reduce power consumption of the devices in electricalcommunication with controlled outlet(s) 150 by allowing a user tocompletely shut power off to her deices.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating another embodiment of anexemplary system for providing a multi-outlet controlled power stripincluding surge protection and incorporating an improved power supply.Power strip 400 in FIG. 4 is a detailed view of power strip 100 ofFIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 4, power strip 400 includes: control circuitry110, power plug 120, constant “on” outlet(s) 130, command input device140 (configured as a wireless receiver) and controlled outlet(s) 150.Control circuitry 110 includes metal oxide varistors (MOV) protectioncircuit 260, hi-power (HI PWR) circuit 270, low-power (LO PWR) circuit280 and control circuit 290. Command input device 140 includes stimuluscircuit 446 and microcontroller 447. Elements numbered as in FIGS. 1and/or 2 function in a substantially similarly way.

Stimulus circuit 446 of command input device 140 includes an input andan output. The input of stimulus circuit 446 is configured to activelyor passively sense/detect the presence of a required body within aspecified area of the power strip incorporating stimulus circuit 446,such as, for example that of a user within a given distance of powerstrip 400. In one embodiment, stimulus circuit 446 receives power frommicrocontroller 447, and in a different embodiment (not shown), stimuluscircuit 446 receives power from LO PWR circuit 280. The output ofstimulus circuit 446 is electrically coupled and in communication withmicrocontroller 447 of command input device 140. In some embodiments,stimulus circuit 446 uses an active methodology by radiating energywaves into the area surrounding power strip 400, receiving reflectedenergy waves from surrounding objects and then producing a commandsignal which is passed to microcontroller 447. Examples of active energywaves that may be utilized by stimulus circuit 446 include ultrasonicspectrum, radio frequency (RF) spectrum, light emitting diode (LED)spectrum, and the like. In other embodiments, stimulus circuit 446 usesa passive methodology by sensing energy from the area surrounding powerstrip 400 and then producing a command signal which is passed tomicrocontroller 447. Examples of active energy waves that may beutilized by stimulus circuit 446 include infrared spectrum, audiospectrum and the like. Stimulus circuit 446 can be implemented as anysuitable circuitry.

Microcontroller 447 of command input device 140 includes an input and anoutput. The input of microcontroller 447 is electrically coupled and incommunication with stimulus circuit 446 and LO PWR circuit 280. Theoutput of microcontroller 447 is electrically coupled and incommunication with control circuit 290. Microcontroller 447 receives acommand signal from stimulus circuit 446, generates an operationalsignal based on the logic within microcontroller 447 and passes thegenerated operational signal to control circuit 290. Microcontroller 447can be implemented as any suitable logic circuit.

In operation, power strip 400 enables a user to control the power stripand determine when power is supplied to devices, such as, a personalcomputer or peripherals that are in electrical communication withcontrolled outlet(s) 150. In the same or a different embodiment, a usercan control power strip 400 and determine when a user may be nearbyusing one or a number of active methodologies, such as, for exampleultrasonic spectrum, radio frequency (RF) spectrum, light emitting diode(LED) spectrum, and the like. In other embodiments, a user can controlpower strip 400 and determine when a user may be nearby using one or anumber of passive methodologies, such as, for example infrared spectrum,audio spectrum and the like. In one embodiment, power strip 400 enablesa user to reduce power consumption of the devices in electricalcommunication with controlled outlet(s) 150 by allowing a user tocompletely shut power off to her devices until stimulus circuit 446determines one or more specific criteria have been met.

FIG. 5 is a circuit schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of anexemplary MOV protection circuit 500, such as, for example MOVprotection circuit 260 of FIGS. 2-4 above. MOV protection circuit 500performs the functionality as described in FIGS. 2-4 above by receivingraw power from a power source and providing protected, real power to theremainder of the elements within the circuit, such as, the additionalelements described in FIG. 2-4, above. The concepts underlying MOVprotection circuit 500 are known in the art, and therefore only certainportions of MOV protection circuit 500 will be described herein. MOVprotection circuit 500 includes a line node 520, a neutral node 521 anda ground node 522 as well as numerous other nodes 501-514. Node 520 isin electrical communication with a line voltage. Node 521 is inelectrical communication with the neutral line. Node 522 is inelectrical communication with ground.

In FIG. 5, circuit breaker 530 is located between node 520 and node 501,and thermal fuse 531 is located between node 501 and 502. Diode 532includes an anode coupled to node 502 and a cathode coupled to node 503,and resistor 533 is located between node 503 and 504. Wire fuse 534 islocated between node 502 and node 505, thermal fuse 536 is locatedbetween node 505 and node 507, and MOV 543 is located between node 507and node 521. Resistor 535 is located between node 502 and node 506,capacitor 544 is located between node 502 and node 521, MOV 545 islocated between node 502 and node 521, and resistor 547 is locatedbetween node 502 and node 522. Resistor 537 is located between node 507and node 508, and diode 540 includes an anode coupled to node 508 and acathode coupled to node 506. Bipolar junction transistor (BJT) 541includes a base coupled to node 508, an emitter coupled to node 506 anda collector coupled to node 510. Resistor 538 is located between node507 and node 509, and LED 539 includes an anode coupled to node 509 anda cathode coupled to node 510. Diode 542 includes an anode coupled tonode 510 and a cathode coupled to node 521. MOV 546 is located betweennode 502 and node 513. LED 548 includes an anode coupled to node 504 anda cathode coupled to node 511. BJT 552 includes a collector coupled tonode 511, a base coupled to node 512 and an emitter coupled to node 521.Resistor 549 is located between node 512 and node 522, resistor 550 islocated between node 512 and node 521. Diode 551 includes a cathodecoupled to node 512 and an anode coupled to node 521. MOV 553 is locatedbetween node 521 and node 513, thermal fuse 554 is located between node513 and node 514, and wire fuse 555 is located between node 514 and node522.

In FIG. 5, capacitor 544 reduces unwanted signals or noise from externalsources. MOVs 543, 546, 553 and 545 reduce unwanted voltage spikes toacceptable levels. Bipolar junction transistor (BJT) 541 and associatedcomponents are a “crowbar circuit” to sense when MOV 543 is no longerproviding protection and to completely and permanently disable therelocatable power tap, such as, power strip 200 in FIG. 2. BJT 552 andassociated components determine if power strip 200 is properly groundedor not and communicate the determination to a user through some type ofuser interface (e.g., if not properly grounded, light emitting diode(LED) LED 548 lights up to show a fault). Resistor 550 counters thecollector leakage current (Icbo) of BJT 552. Diode 532 provides directcurrent (DC) power for the circuit as well as diode 551, which preventsa reverse bias voltage from biasing the base of BJT 552. In thisembodiment, if a connection to ground is lost or was never present,resistors 547 and 549 function to pull the base of BJT 552 “high”thereby causing BJT 552 to conduct and supply power to the lightemitting diode LED 548 which when active indicates loss of ground to auser. In FIG. 5, circuit breaker 530 can be implemented as any suitablecircuit breaker. Thermal fuses 531 and 536 can be implemented as anysuitable 15 amp, 125 volt thermal fuses. Thermal fuse 554 can beimplemented as any suitable five amp, 125 volt thermal fuse. Diodes 540,532 and 542 can be implemented as any suitable diodes, such as, 1N4007diodes available from Fairchild Semiconductor Corp of San Jose, Calif.Diode 551 can be implemented as any suitable diode, such as, a 1N4148diode available from Fairchild Semiconductor Corp of San Jose, Calif.LED 539 can be implemented as any suitable green LED. LED 548 can beimplemented as any suitable red LED. Wire fuse 534 can be implemented asany suitable wire fuse having a diameter of 0.3 mm. Wire fuse 555 can beimplemented as any suitable wire fuse having a diameter of 0.23 mm. MOVs543, 546, and 553 can be implemented as any suitable MOVs, such as,GNR20D201K MOVs available from Ceramate of Luchu, Taoyuan, Taiwan. MOV545 can be implemented as any suitable MOV. BJT 541 can be implementedas any suitable BJT, such as, a KSP94 BJT available from FairchildSemiconductor Corp of San Jose, Calif. BJT 552 can be implemented as anysuitable BJT, such as, an KSP94 BJT available from FairchildSemiconductor Corp of San Jose, Calif. Capacitor 544 can be implementedas any suitable capacitor. Resistor 537 can be implemented as anysuitable 5.1 kΩ/0.5 watt resistor. Resistor 535 can be implemented asany suitable 910Ω/2 watt flame-proof resistor. Resistors 533 and 538 canbe implemented as any suitable 39 kΩ/0.25 watt resistors. Resistors 547and 549 can be implemented as any suitable 2 MΩ/0.5 watt resistors.Resistor 550 can be implemented as any suitable 1 MΩ/0.25 watt resistor.Resistor elements can be obtained from any reputable electronic partsdistributor or retailer.

Although the circuit as detailed in FIG. 5 and described above is atypical solution for providing the above described functionality, thefunctions detailed and described may be implemented using differenttypes of components. For example, the MOVs may be replaced withtransient voltage suppressor (TVS) devices, discrete transistor circuitsusing integrated circuitry, or electromagnetic interference/radiofrequency interference (EMI/RFI) suppression circuitry utilizinginductors, transformers and any combination of components to create therequired suppression.

FIG. 6 is a circuit schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of aportion of an exemplary system for providing a multi-outlet master/slavepower strip incorporating an improved power supply and excluding an MOVportion. Power strip 600 in FIG. 6 is a detailed view of a portion ofpower strip 200 of FIG. 2, but for clarity, excludes the portion ofpower strip 200 disclosed and described as MOV protection circuit 500 ofFIG. 5. Power strip 600 performs the functionality as described in FIG.2 by receiving protected power, such as, from an MOV protection circuit(i.e., MOV protection circuit 260 of FIG. 2) and providing multi-outletmaster/slave power strip functionality as also described in FIG. 2,above. Power strip 600 includes: master outlet 240, controlled outlet(s)150, hi-power (HI PWR) circuit 270, low-power (LO PWR) circuit 280,sensing (SENSE) circuit 242, amplification (AMP) circuit 244 and controlcircuit 290. Power strip 600 includes a line node 630, a neutral node631 and a ground node 632 as well as numerous other nodes. Node 630 isin electrical communication with a line voltage, and in one embodimentis substantially similar to node 502 in FIG. 5. Node 631 is inelectrical communication with the neutral line. Node 632 is inelectrical communication with ground. Elements numbered as in FIGS. 1and/or 2 function in a substantially similarly way.

Master outlet 240 includes a plug receptacle for interfacing with adevice power cord as well as three (3) inputs including a line inputcoupled to a line node 630, a neutral input coupled to node 601 and aground input coupled to node 632. SENSE circuit 242 includes a currenttransformer (CT) 640 that includes a primary winding having a first endcoupled to node 601 and a second end coupled to node 631. CT 640additionally includes a secondary winding having a first end coupled tonode 631 and a second end coupled to node 602. SENSE circuit 242 isconfigured to sense when a device that is interfacing with master outlet240 is drawing current and then provides a sensing signal (SENSE SIG) toAMP circuit 244 based on the current draw. In an embodiment, the neutralinput of master outlet 240 passes through the core of SENSE circuit 242and is coupled to node 631. In some embodiments, when current is drawnby a device electrically coupled via the plug receptacle of masteroutlet 240, the current flows via a path that is electrically coupled toCT 640 of SENSE circuit 242 and induces a small voltage in the secondarywinding of CT 640, the SENSE SIG.

In FIG. 6, AMP circuit 244 includes a first operational amplifier (OpAmp) 641 that includes a non-inverting input coupled to node 602, aninverting input coupled to node 603, an output coupled to node 604, a DCpower supply input coupled to node 605 (also called Vcc) and a DC returninput coupled to node 631. Resistor 642 is located between node 603 andnode 604, and resistor 643 is located between node 603 and node 631.Polarized capacitor 644 includes an anode coupled to node 604 and acathode coupled to node 607. Op Amp 645 includes a non-inverting inputcoupled to node 607, an inverting input coupled to node 608, an outputcoupled to node 609, a DC power supply input coupled to node 605 (alsocalled Vcc) and a DC return input coupled to node 631. In oneembodiment, Vcc is a fixed low power DC power signal. Resistor 646 islocated between node 608 and node 609, resistor 647 is located betweennode 608 and node 631, and resistor 648 is located between node 607 andnode 631. Diode 649 includes an anode coupled to node 609 and a cathodecoupled to node 610. Polarized capacitor 650 includes an anode coupledto node 610 and a cathode coupled to node 631. Finally, diode 651includes an anode coupled to node 610 and a cathode coupled to node 605.

AMP circuit 244 includes two operational amplifiers configured toreceive a SENSE SIG from the secondary winding of CT 640 and produce adriving signal that is provided to control circuit 290. In someembodiments, AMP circuit 244 includes two (2) operational amplifiers(641 and 645) which amplify the voltage signal (SENSE SIG) to produce anamplified control signal (CTRL SIG) and provide the CTRL SIG to controlcircuit 290. In an example and referring to FIG. 6, SENSE SIG isamplified by the circuit of Op Amp 641, resistor 642 and resistor 643 bya factor of about 61.6 to produce and intermediate control signal.Further to this example, only the AC component of the intermediatecontrol signal is passed by capacitor 644 and impressed across resistor648. In this example, because there is no DC component, about half theAC signal is lost in the rail making the effective intermediate controlsignal voltage gain approximately 31. The intermediate control signal isthen amplified by the circuit of Op Amp 645, resistor 647 and resistor646 by a factor of approximately 29.6 with the result that the overallsignal voltage gain is about 911 to produce the amplified controlsignal, CTRL SIG. In this example, the CTRL SIG voltage is peak-detectedby the combination of capacitor 650 and diode 649.

In FIG. 6, control circuit 290 includes LED 652 including an anodecoupled to node 610 and a cathode coupled to node 612; resistor 653 islocated between node 612 and node 613; and resistor 654 is locatedbetween node 613 and node 631. Multi-bipolar junction transistor (BJT)circuit 655 is configured as a Darlington pair and includes a basecoupled to node 613, a collector coupled to node 614 and an emittercoupled to node 631. Diode 656 includes an anode coupled to node 614 anda cathode coupled to node 615. Relay/switch 657 includes a first endcoupled to node 614, a second end coupled to node 615, a stationarynormally open contact coupled to node 630 and an armature moving contactcoupled to node 621, which is a switch leg.

In operation, the CTRL SIG passes across both LED 652 and resistor 653to bias BJT circuit 655 into conduction. Biasing BJT circuit 655 turnson or closes relay/switch 657, which energizes controlled outlet(s) 150.In an example, relay/switch 657 is implemented as a single pole, singlethrow switch. In this embodiment, diode 656 absorbs counterelectromagnetic fields (EMF) from relay/switch 657; resistor 654 is usedto counter Icbo from BJT circuit 655; and diode 651 discharges capacitor650 on shutdown of power strip 600.

In FIG. 6, HI PWR circuit 270 includes capacitor 658 located betweennode 630 and node 617; resistor 659 is located between node 617 and node618; and diode 662 includes an anode coupled to node 618 and a cathodecoupled to node 615. Resistor 660 is located between node 630 and node617. Zener diode 661 includes a cathode coupled to node 618 and an anodecoupled to node 631, and polarized capacitor 663 includes an anodecoupled to node 615 and a cathode coupled to node 631. In operation,capacitor 658 is a reactive voltage divider, which supplies a reducedcurrent limited voltage to resistor 659 and zener diode 661.Additionally, in this embodiment resistor 660 functions as a bleederresistor and resistor 659 provides additional resistance in the event ofover-voltages. Further to the embodiment, zener diode 661 and diode 662are configured to provide 24 volts for a half wave rectified powersignal. Additionally, in this embodiment, diode 662 is located andconfigured so that, during the opposite half cycle, polarized capacitor663 is not discharged into zener diode 661, which is configured to beforward biased. Further to the embodiment, polarized capacitor 663stores and smoothes out the energy required to run the control circuit290. In an example, HI PWR circuit 270 supplies variable (high and low)DC power signals to control circuit 290 via node 615, and furthersupplies an AC power signal to relay/switch 657 via node 630.

In FIG. 6, LOW PWR circuit 280 includes a polarized capacitor 664, whichincludes an anode coupled to node 605 and a cathode coupled to node 606.Capacitor 665 is located between node 619 and node 630, and resistor 666is also located between node 619 and node 630. Resistor 667 is locatedbetween 619 and 620. Zener diode 668 includes a cathode coupled to node620 and an anode coupled to node 631, and diode 669 includes an anodecoupled to node 620 and a cathode coupled to node 605.

In operation, capacitor 665 is a reactive voltage divider that suppliesa reduced current limited voltage to resistor 667 and zener diode 668.Additionally, in this embodiment, resistor 666 functions as a bleederresistor, and resistor 667 provides additional resistance in the eventof over-voltages. In an example, zener diode 668 and diode 669 areconfigured to provide 6.2 volts for a half wave rectified power signal.Additionally, in this embodiment diode 669 is located and configured sothat, during the opposite half cycle, capacitor 664 is not dischargedinto diode 669, which is configured to be forward biased. Further to theembodiment, capacitor 664 stores and smoothes out the energy required torun the AMP circuit 244.

In the power supply portion of power strip 600, the two power circuits(HI PWR circuit 270 and LO PWR circuit 280) are substantially similar indesign, but have different power values to supply to other portions ofpower strip 600. Utilizing a dual power supply methodology allows for amore efficient delivery of power (24V and 6.2V) to downstream activeelements of power strip 600. The efficiency is realized as a singlesupply supplying dual voltages that are substantially different fromwhat would be required by a resistive methodology to voltage divide thevoltage down, thereby producing heat and wasting additional power.

Each of controlled outlet(s) 150 includes a plug receptacle forinterfacing with a device power cord as well as three (3) inputsincluding a line input coupled to relay/switch 657, a neutral inputcoupled to node 631 and a ground input coupled to node 632. Each ofconstant “on” outlet(s) 130 include a plug receptacle for interfacingwith a device power cord as well as three (3) inputs including a lineinput coupled to node 630, a neutral input coupled to node 631 and aground input coupled to node 632.

In FIG. 6, CT 640 can be implemented as any suitable currenttransformer. Op Amps 641 and 645 can be implemented as any suitableoperational amplifiers, such as, for example LM358 operationalamplifiers available from Fairchild Semiconductor Corp of San Jose,Calif. Diodes 649, 651, 656, 662 and 669 can be implemented as anysuitable diodes, such as, 1N4007 diodes available from FairchildSemiconductor Corp of San Jose, Calif. Zener Diode 661 can beimplemented as any suitable 24 volt Zener diode. Zener Diode 668 can beimplemented as any suitable 6.2 volt Zener diode. LED 652 can beimplemented as any suitable green LED. Relay/switch 657 can beimplemented as any suitable single pole, single throw (SPST) relay.Multi-BJT circuit 655 can be implemented as any suitable multi-BJT, suchas, an KSP13 BJT available from Fairchild Semiconductor Corp of SanJose, Calif. Resistors 660 and 666 can be implemented as any suitable 1MΩ resistors. Resistors 659 and 667 can be implemented as any suitable100Ω flame-proof resistors. Polarized capacitors 650 and 663 can beimplemented as any suitable 100 μF polarized capacitors. Resistor 642can be implemented as any suitable 20 kΩ resistor. Resistor 643 can beimplemented as any suitable 330Ω resistor. Resistor 646 can beimplemented as any suitable 160 kΩ resistor. Resistor 647 can beimplemented as any suitable 5600Ω resistor. Resistor 648 can beimplemented as any suitable 5100Ω resistor. Resistor 653 can beimplemented as any suitable 1 kΩ resistor. Resistor 654 can beimplemented as any suitable 3 kΩ resistor. Polarized capacitor 644 canbe implemented as any suitable 1 μF polarized capacitor. Capacitor 658can be implemented as any suitable 330 μF capacitor. Polarized capacitor664 can be implemented as any suitable 330 μF polarized capacitor.Capacitor 665 can be implemented as any suitable 220 nF capacitor.Resistor and capacitor elements can be obtained from any reputableelectronic parts distributor or retailer.

FIG. 7 is a circuit schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of aportion of an exemplary system for providing a multi-outlet controlledpower strip incorporating an improved power supply and excluding an MOVportion. The power strip 700 in FIG. 7 is a detailed view of a portionof power strip 300 of FIG. 3, but for clarity, excludes the portion ofpower strip 300 disclosed and described as MOV protection circuit 500 ofFIG. 5. Power strip 700 performs the functionality as described in FIG.3 by receiving protected power, such as, from an MOV protection circuit(i.e., MOV protection circuit 260 of FIG. 3) and providing multi-outletcontrolled power strip functionality as also described in FIG. 3, above.Power strip 700 includes constant “on” outlet(s) 130, controlledoutlet(s) 150, hi-power (HI PWR) circuit 270, low-power (LO PWR) circuit280, control circuit 290, antenna 341, receiver circuit 343, logiccircuit 345, and manual switch 348. In some embodiments, antenna 341 isconfigured as part of receiver circuit 343. Power strip 700 includes aline node 740, a neutral node 741 and a ground node 742 as well asnumerous other nodes. Node 740 is in electrical communication with aline voltage, and in one embodiment is substantially similar to node 502in FIG. 5. Node 741 is in electrical communication with the neutralline. Node 742 is in electrical communication with ground. Elementsnumbered as in FIGS. 1, 2 and/or 3 function in a substantially similarlyway.

In FIG. 7, receiver circuit 343 includes an antenna 341 and receiverchip 756 as well as other elements that will be described below.Receiver circuit 343 includes antenna 341 that is coupled to node 701.Inductor 750 is located between node 701 and a radio frequency ground(RFGND) 743, and capacitor 751 is located between node 701 and node 702.Inductor 752 is located between node 702 and RFGND 743, and capacitor753 is located between node 702 and RFGND 743. Capacitor 754 is locatedbetween node 702 and node 703, and inductor 755 is located between node703 and RFGND 743. Receiver chip 756 includes: an antenna pin ANTcoupled to node 703; a power supply pin Vdd coupled to node 705; a DOpin coupled to node 707; a CAGC pin coupled to node 708; a CTH pincoupled to node 709; a RO1 pin coupled to node 710; a RO2 pin coupled tonode 711; and a RNG1 pin, a RFG2 pin, a SEL0 pin, a SEL1 pin, a SHDNpin, an NC pin and a GND pin coupled to RFGND 743. Resistor 757 islocated between node 704 and RFGND 743. Capacitor 758 is located betweennode 705 and RFGND 743, and capacitor 759 also is located between node705 and RFGND 743. Capacitor 760 is located between node 708 and RFGND743, and capacitor 761 is located between node 709 and RFGND 743.Crystal 762 is located between node 710 and node 711.

In FIG. 7, logic circuit 345 includes an address selector switch 763,decoder 764, integrated circuit 769, as well as other elements. Switch763 is an addressable selector switch and includes four (4) input pinsthat are coupled to GND 744 and four output pins that are coupled topins A2-A5 of decoder 764. In other embodiments, switch 763 may beconfigured to include more, or less, pins with a corresponding reductionor increase in associated pins on decoder 764. Decoder 764 additionallyincludes: a power supply pin Vcc coupled to node 706; an OSC1 pincoupled to node 712; an OSC2 pin coupled to node 713; a D9 pin coupledto node 714; a D8 pin coupled to node 715; a VT pin coupled to node 739;and a Vss pin coupled to GND 744. Capacitor 765 is located between node706 and GND 744. Resistor 766 is located between node 712 and node 713.Logic chips 767 is a NAND gate logic chip having a first input coupledto node 714, a second input coupled to node 739, and an output coupledto node 716. Logic chips 768 is a NAND gate logic chip having a firstinput coupled to node 739, a second input coupled to node 715, and anoutput coupled to node 717. Integrated circuit 769 includes: a Vcc pincoupled to node 706; an inverted PR pin coupled to node 716; a D pincoupled to an inverted Q pin of integrated circuit 769; a CLK pincoupled to node 720; an inverted CLR pin coupled to node 722; a Q pincoupled to node 721; and a GND pin coupled to GND 744. Capacitor 770 iscoupled between node 706 and GND 744. Logic chips 771 is a NAND gatelogic chip having a first input coupled to node 718, a second input alsocoupled to node 718, and an output coupled to node 720. Resistor 772 islocated between node 718 and node 706, and capacitor 773 is locatedbetween node 718 and GND 744. Manual Switch 348 includes an output pincoupled to node 718 and a ground pin coupled to GND 744. A diode pairincludes a first diode 774 having an anode coupled to node 722 and acathode coupled to node 717, and a second diode 775 having an anodecoupled to node 722 and a cathode coupled to node 723. Resistor 776 islocated between node 722 and node 706. Switch power LED 777 includes ananode coupled to node 721 and a cathode coupled to node 719. Logic chip778 is a NAND gate logic chip having a first input coupled to node 724,a second input also coupled to node 724 and an output coupled to node723, a DC power supply input coupled to node 706 and a DC return inputcoupled to GND 744. Capacitor 779 is located between node 706 and GND744. Capacitor 780 is located between node 706 and node 724, andresistor 781 is located between node 724 and GND 744. A diode pairincludes a first diode 782 having a cathode coupled to node 724 and ananode coupled to GND 744 and a second diode 783 having a cathode coupledto node 725 and an anode coupled to GND 744. In one embodiment, logicchips 767, 768, 771 and 778 are implemented as NAND gates with SchmittTriggers.

In operation, a user determines when the peripheral devices receivingpower from controlled outlet(s) 150 should be enabled or disabled. Theuser sends an encoded signal to the unit to perform the on or offfunction. Antenna 341 receives the electromagnetic radiation andconverts it into an electrical signal. Receiver circuit 343 selects ortunes the signal, amplifies it, and then recovers the digital signalembedded in the transmission. Receiver circuit 343 then supplies thedigital signal to decoder 764 within logic circuit 345 which determinesif the transmitted signal belongs to power strip 700 and the type ofsignal, such as, whether it is an on or an off signal. An on signalforces the flip/flop of integrated circuit 769 to output a one, and anoff signal forces the flip/flop of integrated circuit 769 to output azero. The switch 348, if pressed, changes the flip/flop to the nextstate. A one turns on LED 777, transistor BJT 7012, and relay circuit7014 (elements described below); which energizes the controlledoutlet(s) 150. A zero turns everything off. The power supply comprisesof two modules, one to generate power for the relay and one for the restof the circuitry. This feature is part of the energy savings scheme.

Further to the above, the received electromagnetic signal is processedthrough a preselect/matching filter composed of inductors 750, 752 and755 and capacitors 751, 753 and 754. This filter matches the outputimpedance of antenna 341 to the input impedance of the receiver circuit343. This process additionally helps to attenuate any out of channelsignals resulting in pre-tuning the receiver. The signal is next passedinto receiver chip 756 and is further tuned to a single frequency with arelatively narrow bandwidth, thus screening out most all other signals,resulting in obtaining the signal of interest. Receiver chip 756amplifies this signal and utilizes a detection methodology to recoverthe embedded digital signal. Capacitors 758 and 759 remove any signalsfrom receiver circuit 343 that could find their way in from a powersupply. Crystal 762 provides a precise frequency used to run the tuningcircuit. Resistor 757 is a zero ohm resistor and if removed allows thesquelch feature of the radio to be used. Capacitor 761 is used in thedetection circuit of receiver chip 756 and stores a relative thresholdvalue for receiver chip 756 to determine whether to output a logic oneor a logic zero signal in the serial data output. Capacitor 753 is usedin the Automatic Gain Control (“AGC”) circuit of the receiver. AGC isused to adjust the gain of the radio to a value fixed relative to thedetector requirements for reliable output data.

The tuned signal is fed into decoder 764, which decodes this serial datainto address and function. The address is checked against the value seton switch 763. If there is a match, then an on or off function is outputdepending on the match data, with an “on” output passing to port pin D9of decoder 764 and an “off” output passing to port pin D8 of decoder764. Resistor 766 sets an internal RC generated clock frequency to runthe decoder 764. Capacitor 765 prevents power supply noise from leavingor entering decoder 764. Additionally, capacitor 770 and capacitor 779perform the same function on integrated circuit 769 and logic chips 767,768, 771 and 778, respectively.

If decoder 764 recognizes a valid address, then pin VT is set “high” forthe address time, which allows the function signal to pass through atransmission gate made up of logic chips 767 and 768. If the signal is a“one,” it is fed directly into the flip/flop integrated circuit 769preset (PR bar) pin and forces a “one” resulting in an “on” signal atthe Q output. The opposite signal, in this case a “zero,” is fed intothe D input of the flip/flop from the Q-bar output of integrated circuit769. If a clock signal is fed into the CLK input of the flip/flop, thenit will change state. Whenever a clock signal is received at the CLKinput, the flip/flop will change state. The clock signal originates fromlogic chips 771, which is a Schmitt triggered gate. The gate receives asignal from switch 348 every time the user presses the switch button ofswitch 348. The switch signal from switch 348 is de-bounced by resistor772 and capacitor 773. When the user presses the button associated withswitch 348, controlled outlet(s) 150 change state. The “off” signal fromthe transmission gate (i.e., logic chips 767 and 768) goes through an“OR” gate composed of resistor 776 and diode-pair 774 and 775. The “off”signal passes to the CLR-bar pin of the flip/flop. Receiving the “off”signal forces LED 777, BJT 7012 and relay circuit 7014 of controlcircuit 290, and controlled outlet(s) 150 to switch “off.” Because thereis an “OR gate” logic circuit within logic circuit 345, the other signalthat forces everything to the “off” state is a power on reset. Thissignal is generated at power “on” by logic chip (e.g., Schmitt triggergate) 778, capacitor 780 and resistor 781. One side of diode-pair 782and 783 quickly discharges capacitor 780 to prepare capacitor 780 tohelp generate another power on reset signal if required. When flip/flopcircuit is “on,” as defined by the Q output of integrated circuit (IC)769 is a “one” or “high,” then current flows through the LED 777 causingit to light up and indicate that the controlled outlet(s) 150 are “on.”

In FIG. 7, HI PWR circuit 270 includes a resistor 784 located betweennode 740 and node 726, and a capacitor 785 located between node 740 andnode 726. Full-wave bridge rectifier 786 includes a pin1 coupled to node728, a pin2 coupled to node 741, pin3 coupled to node 726, and pin4coupled to node 727. Inductor 787 is located between node 727 and node729. Inductor 788 is located between node 728 and node GND 744.Capacitor 789 is located between node 729 and GND 744, Zener diode 790includes an anode coupled to GND 744 and a cathode coupled to node 729,and polarized capacitor 791 includes an anode couple to node 729 and acathode coupled to GND 744.

In FIG. 7, LO PWR circuit 280 includes a resistor 792 located betweennode 730 and 740, and capacitor 793 is located between node 730 and 740.Full-wave bridge rectifier 794 includes a pin1 coupled to node 732, apin2 coupled to node 741, pin3 coupled to node 730, and pin4 coupled tonode 731. Inductor 795 is located between node 731 and node 733, andinductor 796 is located between node 732 and GND 744. Resistor 797 islocated between node 733 and node 734, and capacitor 798 is locatedbetween node 733 and GND 744. Zener diode 799 includes an anode coupledto GND 744 and a cathode coupled to node 734; polarized capacitor 7001includes an anode couple to node 734 and a cathode coupled to GND 744;and capacitor 7002 is located between node 734 and GND 744. Low drop-out(LDO) regulator 7003 includes an input pin coupled to node 734, anoutput pin coupled to node 706, and a ground pin coupled to GND 744.Capacitor 7004 is located between node 706 and GND 744, and capacitor7005 is located between node 706 and GND 744. Resistor 7006 is locatedbetween node 706 and node 735. Inductor 7007 is located between node 706and node 705. LED 7008 includes an anode coupled to node 735 and acathode coupled to GND 744. Inductor 7009 is located between RFGND 743and GND 744.

Because HI PWR circuit 270 and LO PWR circuit 280 are similar but withdifferent values to supply power as required, only one will be describedin detail, as the other is functionally the same. Capacitor 793 of LOPWR circuit 280 is a reactive voltage divider, which supplies a reducedvoltage that is current limited to resistor 797 and LDO regulator 7003.Resistor 792 is a bleeder resistor. Capacitor 798, inductors 795 and796, resistor 797 and Zener diode 799 provide protection in the event ofover voltages. Full-wave bridge rectifier 794 converts the incoming ACpower to DC. Capacitors 7001 and 7002 further protect against surgevoltages, help smooth the incoming rectified voltage and provide a broadband low impedance source for LDO regulator 7003. LDO regulator 7003 isan active low drop out regulator, which provides a fixed voltage outputfor receiver circuit 343 and logic circuit 345. Capacitors 7004 and 7005further smooth the output voltage and provide a required pole for LDOregulator 7003. Inductors 7007 and 7009 isolate noise generated in thelogic circuit from the radio. Resistor 7006 and LED 7008 are not used togenerate power, but are an indicator circuit providing an indicatorlight when two conditions are both met. The two conditions are: (1) thatconstant “on” outlet(s) 130 have power; and (2) the main MOVs of MOVprotection circuit 500 in FIG. 5 have not failed.

Utilizing HI PWR circuit 270 and LO PWR circuit 280 as a two sectionpower supply design reduces power consumption of the power supply. Inoperation and understanding that power is a function of voltage timescurrent, if a circuit will operate at some fixed current level, but atvarious voltages, then choosing the lowest voltage will use the leastamount of power. Therefore, the low voltage supply (i.e., LO PWR circuit280) is used to generate low voltage power for the radio and logiccircuitry. This configuration uses the minimal amount of power for thelow voltage circuitry because the reactive input power supply wastes noreal power to generate the low voltage from the high voltage AC linepower. The voltage for the relay is the high voltage supply (i.e., HIPWR circuit 270). Like the low voltage supply, the high voltage supplyuses a reactive input to drop the line voltage to the voltage requiredfor the relay. The high voltage supply is also a “soft” supply. That is,the voltage drops while a load current is drawn from the supply,providing even more of a power savings. The uniqueness of this approachas compared to the more traditional single power supply approach is thata power savings as high as 4 to 1 can be achieved over the traditionalmethod.

In FIG. 7, control circuit 290 includes resistor 7010 that is locatedbetween node 719 and node 735, and resistor 7011 is located between node735 and GND 744. Bipolar transistor BJT 7012 includes a base coupled tonode 735, a collector coupled to node 737, and an emitter coupled to GND744. Zener diode 7013 includes a cathode coupled to node 737 and ananode coupled to GND 744. Relay circuit 7014 includes a first endcoupled to node 737, a second end coupled to node 729, a stationarynormally open contact coupled to node 740 and an armature moving contactcoupled to node 745, which is a switch leg. A diode pair includes afirst diode 7015 having a cathode coupled to node 746 and an anodecoupled to node 737 and a second diode 7016 having a cathode coupled tonode 729 and an anode also coupled to node 737.

In operation, current flows from logic circuit 345 to control circuit290 through resistor 7010, which limits the current for both LED 777 andthe base of BJT 7012. When current flow through resistor 7010, BJT 7012turns “on” and allows current to flow in the coil of relay circuit 7014of control circuit 290 causing relay circuit 7014 to close its contactsand supply power to the controlled outlet(s) 150. If the flip/flopcircuit of logic circuit 345 is “off,” as defined by the Q output ofintegrated circuit 769 is zero or “low,” then the LED 777 is not forwardbiased, and BJT 7012, relay circuit 7014, and controlled outlet(s) 150are “off.” When controlled outlet(s) 150 are “off,” there is no currentflow into the base of BJT 7012 other than Icbo. Because the Icbo leakagecurrent could turn the transistor on, resistor 7011 drains any BJT 7012Icbo to a safe level thereby preventing BJT 7012 from turning “on.” Onlyone half of the diode-pair including diodes 7015 and 7016 (7016 acrossthe relay coil) is used for counter EMF when BJT 7012 turns off. Zenerdiode 7013 is used to protect BJT 7012 against surge voltage from the ACline that pass through the power supply.

In FIG. 7, receiver chip 756 can be implemented as any suitable receiverchip, such as, for example a MICRF211 available from Micrel Inc of SanJose, Calif. Crystal 762 can be implemented as any suitable crystaldevice having a frequency of 13.52127 MHz. Address selector switch 763can be implemented as any suitable 4 position DIP address selectorswitch. Decoder 764 can be implemented as any suitable logic chip, suchas, for example a HT12D available from Holtek Semiconductor Inc. ofFremont, Calif. NAND gate logic chips 767, 768, 771 and 778 can beimplemented as any suitable NAND gate logic chips, such as, for examplea MM74HC132 available from Fairchild Semiconductor Corp of San Jose,Calif. Integrated circuit 769 can be implemented as any suitable logicchip, such as, for example a NC7SZ74 available from FairchildSemiconductor Corp of San Jose, Calif. LDO regulator 7003 can beimplemented as any suitable LDO regulator, such as, for example aLP2950ACDT-3.3 available from ON Semiconductor of Phoenix, Ariz. BJT7012 can be implemented as any suitable BJT. Relay circuit 7014 can beimplemented as any suitable single pole, single throw (SPST) relay.Diode-pairs 774 and 775, 782 and 783, and 7015 and 7016 can beimplemented as any suitable diode-pair device, such as, for example aBAS40SL available from Fairchild Semiconductor Corp of San Jose, Calif.Full-wave bridge rectifiers 786 and 794 can be implemented as anysuitable full-wave bridge rectifier, such as, for example a S1ZB60available from Shindengen America, Inc of Bannockburn, Ill. LEDs 777 and7008 can be implemented as any suitable green LEDs. Zener Diode 790 canbe implemented as any suitable 24 volt Zener diode. Zener Diode 799 canbe implemented as any suitable 4.7 volt Zener diode. Zener Diode 7013can be implemented as any suitable 27 volt Zener diode. Inductors 787,788, 795, 796, 7007, and 7009 are inductors having 1 kΩ at 100. Inductor750 can be implemented as any suitable 30 nH inductor. Inductor 752 canbe implemented as any suitable 24 nH inductor. Inductor 755 can beimplemented as any suitable 39 nH inductor. Capacitors 758, 761, 765,770, 779, 789, 798, 7002, and 7004 can be implemented as any suitable0.1 μF capacitors. Capacitors 759, 760 and 7005 can be implemented asany suitable 4.7 μF capacitors. Capacitors 773 and 780 can beimplemented as any suitable 0.22 μF capacitors. Capacitor 751 can beimplemented as any suitable 1.2 pF capacitor. Capacitor 753 can beimplemented as any suitable 5.6 pF capacitor. Capacitor 785 can beimplemented as any suitable 0.15 μF capacitor. Capacitor 793 can beimplemented as any suitable 0.27 μF. Polarized capacitors 791 and 7001can be implemented as any suitable 100 μF at 50 volts polarizedcapacitors. Resistors 784 and 792 can be implemented as any suitable 470kΩ resistors. Resistor 766 can be implemented as any suitable 32.4 kΩresistor. Resistor 772 can be implemented as any suitable 22.1 kΩresistor. Resistor 776 can be implemented as any suitable 20.0 kΩresistor. Resistor 781 can be implemented as any suitable 200 kΩresistor. Resistor 797 can be implemented as any suitable 510Ω resistor.Resistor 7006 can be implemented as any suitable 3010Ω resistor.Resistor 7010 can be implemented as any suitable 1630Ω resistor.Resistor 7011 can be implemented as any suitable 100 kΩ resistor.Resistor and capacitor elements can be obtained from any reputableelectronic parts distributor or retailer

FIG. 8 is a circuit schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of aportion of an exemplary system for providing a multi-outlet controlledpower strip incorporating an improved power supply and excluding an MOVportion. The power strip 800 in FIG. 8 is a detailed view of a portionof power strip 400 of FIG. 4 but for clarity, excludes the portion ofpower strip 400 disclosed and described as MOV protection circuit 500 ofFIG. 5. Power strip 800 performs the functionality as described in FIG.4 by receiving protected power, such as, from an MOV protection circuit(i.e., MOV protection circuit 260 of FIG. 3) and providing multi-outletcontrolled power strip functionality as also described in FIG. 4, above.Power strip 800 includes constant “on” outlet(s) 130, controlledoutlet(s) 150, hi-power (HI PWR) circuit 270, low-power (LO PWR) circuit280, control circuit 290, stimuli circuit 346, logic circuit 347, andtransformer 840. Power strip 800 includes a line node 830, a neutralnode 831, and a ground node 832. Node 830 is in electrical communicationwith a line voltage, and in one embodiment is substantially similar tonode 502 in FIG. 5. Node 831 is in electrical communication with theneutral line. Node 832 is in electrical communication with ground.Elements numbered as in FIGS. 1, 2 and/or 4 function in a substantiallysimilarly way. Transformer 840 includes a primary winding, a low-powersecondary winding in electromagnetic communication with the primarywinding and a hi-power secondary winding in electromagneticcommunication with the primary winding. The primary winding oftransformer 840 includes a first tap that is in electrical communicationwith node 830, and a second tap that is in electrical communication withnode 831. Transformer includes additional elements that will bedescribed further below. Additionally, stimuli circuit 346 is configuredas a manual switch input circuit. In some embodiments, stimuli circuit346 can be configured as any number of different stimuli circuits, suchas, for example as a motion sensor circuit, a thermal sensor circuit, anultrasonic sensor, and the like. FIG. 8 illustrates a line isolatedpower supply that may be utilized for safety concerns when part(s) of acircuit are accessible to the user.

In operation, a user, and/or the device, depending on the inputstimulus, determines when the peripheral devices should be supplied withpower. In some embodiments, the user presses a button to switch on theswitched outlets and start a timer, which then ends the sequence. Inother embodiments, other input stimuli may completely automate theprocess, or the process may be completely manual, or some combinationthereof. In one embodiment, power strip 800 operates as follows: a pressof a switch sends an instruction signal to a microcontroller to turn onan LED and the circuitry associated with activating a relay, whichenergizes the controlled outlets; after a fixed time, the LED will startto blink on and off; if the button is not activated in the next shorttime window, the microcontroller turns the controlled outlets “off;” andif the button is pressed, the LED stays “on,” the relay remains “on” andthe timer resets and restarts. In other embodiments, depending on thestimulus and the programming, different or all portions of the sequencemay be automated. As with previous embodiments the power supply consistsof two modules, one to generate power for the relay and one for the restof the circuitry, and again this feature is part of the energy savingsscheme.

In FIG. 8, logic circuit 347 includes a logic chip 841 and an electricalplug 842, as well as other elements that will be described below. Insome embodiments, electrical plug 842 allows for the logic circuit 347portion of power strip 800 to be removed from the circuit, if necessary.Logic chip 841 includes: an RA0 pin coupled to node 802; a RA1 pincoupled to node 803, a RA2 pin coupled to node 801, a RA3 pin coupled tonode 804, a RA4 pin coupled to node 805, a power supply pin Vcc coupledto node 806, a RC2 pin coupled to node 807, a RC5 pin coupled to node809, and a Vss pin coupled to GND 833. Test pin 870 is coupled to node805; programming pad 871 is coupled to node 806; programming pad 872 iscoupled to node 802; programming pad 873 is coupled to node 803;programming pad 874 is coupled to node 804; and programming pad 875 iscoupled to node GND 833. In some embodiments, pins RA0-RA3 areconfigured as programming pins, and pin RA4 is configured to provideclock information, such as, for example for programming support.Capacitor 843 is located between node 806 and GND 833. Resistor 844 islocated between node 807 and node 808. LED 845 includes an anode coupledto node 808 and a cathode coupled to GND 833. Resistor 846 is locatedbetween node 809 and node 810. Electrical plug 842 includes a first pincoupled to node 806, a second pin coupled to node 810 and a third pincoupled to GND 833. In operation, each of the pins of electrical plug842 mechanically and electrically coupled to a corresponding femaleconnector located within jack 865 of control circuit 290.

In operation, logic chip 841 is implemented as a microcontroller that isprogrammed for the sequence through signals applied at programming pads871-875. A timing test signal can be measured at test pin 870 when testcode is invoked. Capacitor 843 is used to help isolate digital noisefrom the power supply. At the start of the fixed time period describedabove, current flows through resistor 844 to LED 845 and the LEDilluminates. Resistor 844 limits the current. In one embodiment, logiccircuit 347 is a separate module from the outlet strip and iselectrically connected through electrical plug 842 of logic circuit 347and jack 865 of control circuit 290. In one embodiment, electrical plug842 is implemented as a 3.5 millimeter (mm) stereo phone plug, and jack865 is implemented as a mating jack on power strip 800. In someembodiments, portions of electrical plug 842 are soldered to pads876-878. In operation, electrical plug 842 carries a signal used topower circuitry that activates controlled outlet(s) 150 and additionallyprovides power for logic chip 841, stimuli circuit 346, and LED 845.Further to the example, at the start of the timing sequence and at thesame time logic chip 841 supplies current to LED 845, logic chip 841additionally supplies current to resistor 846. Resistor 846 is in serieswith a signal wire in electrical plug 842 and passes power to resistor869, and hence, to control circuit 290.

In FIG. 8, HI PWR circuit 270 includes the hi-power secondary windingportion of transformer 840 that includes a first tap coupled to node811, and a second tap coupled to node 812. Capacitor 847 is locatedbetween node 811 and node 813. Diode 848 includes an anode that iscoupled to node 813 and a cathode that is coupled to node 814. Diode 849includes a cathode that is coupled to node 813 and an anode that iscoupled to GND 833. Diode 850 includes an anode that is coupled to node812 and a cathode that is coupled to node 814. Diode 851 includes acathode that is coupled to node 812 and an anode that is coupled to GND833. Polarized capacitor 852 includes an anode that is coupled to node814 and a cathode that is coupled to GND 833. Resistor 853 is locatedbetween node 814 and GND 833.

In FIG. 8, LO PWR circuit 280 includes the low-power secondary windingportion of transformer 840 that includes a first tap coupled to node815, and a second tap coupled to node 816. Capacitor 854 is locatedbetween node 815 and node 816. Diode 855 includes an anode that iscoupled to node 815 and a cathode that is coupled to node 817. Diode 856includes a cathode that is coupled to node 815 and an anode that iscoupled to GND 833. Diode 857 includes an anode that is coupled to node816 and a cathode that is coupled to node 817. Diode 858 includes acathode that is coupled to node 816 and an anode that is coupled to GND833. Zener diode 859 includes a cathode that is coupled to node 817 andan anode that is coupled to GND 833. Polarized capacitor 860 includes ananode that is coupled to node 817 and a cathode that is coupled to GND833. Capacitor 861 is located between node 817 and GND 833. Low drop-out(LDO) regulator 862 includes an input pin coupled to node 817, an outputpin coupled to node 806, and a ground pin coupled to GND 833. Polarizedcapacitor 863 includes an anode that is coupled to node 806 and acathode that is coupled to GND 833.

In FIG. 8, power for power strip 800 is supplied from transformer 840.The input of transformer 840 protects the user from electric shock inthe event contact is made between the user and exposed metal connectedto the circuit. Transformer 840 has two secondary windings that aresimilar, but have different voltage values for supplying differentlevels of power, as required. For both power values supplied,transformer 840 efficiently reduces the input voltage on the primarywinding of transformer 840 to some usable value. For the high voltagesupply, capacitor 847 is a reactive current limiter to the full-waverectifier diode bridge 848, 849, 850, and 851. Polarized capacitor 852stores and smoothes the voltage supplied to the relay circuit 864.Resistor 853 bleeds excess energy from polarized capacitor 852.

The low voltage supply uses diodes 855, 856, 857 and 858 as the fullwave rectifier bridge. The input to the bridge is shunted by capacitor854, and the output of the bridge is shunted by Zener diode 859. Both ofthese components are used to help attenuate any voltage surges.Capacitors 860 and 861 also help to mitigate surge damage. Capacitors860 and 861 have other functions. Capacitors 860 and 861 help smooth theincoming rectified voltage and provide a broad band low impedance sourcefor regulator 862. Regulator 862 is an active low drop out regulator,which provides a fixed voltage output for the micro controller andrelated circuitry. Polarized capacitor 863 helps to further smooth theoutput voltage and provides a required pole for the regulator.

In FIG. 8, control circuit 290 includes relay circuit 864, jack 865, aswell as other elements that will be described below. Relay circuit 864includes a first end coupled to node 814, a second end coupled to node818, a stationary normally open contact coupled to node 830 and anarmature moving contact coupled to node 821, which is a switch leg.Diode 867 includes a cathode that is coupled to node 814 and an anodethat is coupled to node 818. Bipolar transistor BJT 868 includes acollector coupled to node 818, a base coupled to node 819 and an emittercoupled to GND 833. Resistor 866 is located between node 819 and GND833, and resistor 869 is located between node 819 and node 820. Jack 865includes a first pin coupled to GND 833, a second pin coupled to node806 and a third pin coupled to node 820. In operation, each of thefemale connectors of jack 865 mechanically and electrically receive acorresponding male connector located at electrical plug 842 of logiccircuit 347.

In operation, electrical plug 842 of logic circuit 347 passes power toresistor 869 of control circuit 290 via jack 865. Because resistor 869is in series with the base of a BJT 868, when the power is passed toresistor 869, BJT 868 turns “on” which turns relay circuit 864 “on.”Relay circuit 864 then energizes the controlled outlet(s) 150. Resistors846 and 869 limit the current to the base of BJT 868. Resistor 846 alsohelps to protect logic chip 841 from electrostatic discharge (ESD).Diode 867 is used to absorb the counter EMF generated by the magneticfield collapse from relay circuit 864 when BJT 868 turns “off” Resistor866 is used to defeat the effect of Icbo if the logic circuit 347 is notelectrically coupled to control circuit 290 via jack 865.

In FIG. 8, utilizing a two-tiered power supply design reduces powerconsumption within power strip 800. The reduced power consumption occursas power is a function of voltage times current and if a circuit willoperate at some fixed current level but at various voltages, thenutilizing the lowest voltage will result in the least amount of powerconsumption. Therefore, a low voltage supply is used to generate lowvoltage power for logic chip 841 and associated circuitry. Thistechnique uses the minimal amount of power for the low voltage circuitrybecause the transformer input power supply wastes little power togenerate the low voltage from the high voltage AC line power. Thevoltage for relay circuit 864 is the high voltage supply. Like the lowvoltage supply, the high voltage supply uses a transformer input to dropthe line voltage to the voltage required for the relay circuit 864.Unlike the low voltage supply, there is also a reactive current limiter,which wastes no real power. This is called a “soft” supply. The reactivecurrent limiter takes advantage of an effect of relay circuit 864. Inother words, as load current is drawn from the supply, the voltagedrops, providing even more of a power savings. Additionally, althoughrelay circuit 864 requires a high voltage to initially close itscontacts and energize controlled outlet(s) 150 and uses the energystored in capacitor 852 for initial engagement, relay circuit 864 canremain closed during operation using a lower voltage and therefore usingless power. The uniqueness of this approach is that a power savings canbe achieved over traditional methods.

In FIG. 8, utilizing a two-tiered power supply design reduces powerconsumption within power strip 800. The reduced power consumption occursas power is a function of voltage times current and if a circuit willoperate at some fixed current level but at various voltages, thenutilizing the lowest voltage will result in the least amount of powerconsumption. Therefore, a low voltage supply is used to generate lowvoltage power for logic chip 841 and associated circuitry. Thistechnique uses the minimal amount of power for the low voltage circuitrybecause the transformer input power supply wastes little power togenerate the low voltage from the high voltage AC line power. Thevoltage for relay circuit 864 is the high voltage supply. Like the lowvoltage supply, the high voltage supply uses a transformer input to dropthe line voltage to the voltage required for the relay circuit 864.Unlike the low voltage supply, there is also a reactive current limiter,which wastes no real power. This is called a “soft” supply. The reactivecurrent limiter takes advantage of an effect of relay circuit 864. Inother words, as load current is drawn from the supply, the voltagedrops, providing even more of a power savings. Additionally, althoughrelay circuit 864 requires a high voltage to initially close itscontacts and energize controlled outlet(s) 150 and uses the energystored in capacitor 852 for initial engagement, relay circuit 864 canremain closed during operation using a lower voltage and therefore usingless power. The uniqueness of this approach is that a power savings canbe achieved over traditional methods.

FIG. 9 is a circuit schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of aportion of an exemplary system for providing a multi-outlet controlledpower strip incorporating an improved power supply and excluding an MOVportion. The power strip 900 in FIG. 9 is another embodiment of aportion of power strip 300 of FIG. 3. Portions of power strip 900 aresubstantially similar to portions of power strip 700 of FIG. 7, functionin substantially similar ways and their elements will not be describedfurther. The power strip 900 in FIG. 9 is a detailed view of anotherembodiment of power strip 300 of FIG. 3 and includes a single improvedpower supply but, for clarity, excludes the portion of power strip 300disclosed and described as MOV protection circuit 500 of FIG. 5. Powerstrip 900 performs the functionality as described in FIG. 3 by receivingprotected power, such as, from an MOV protection circuit (i.e., MOVprotection circuit 260 of FIG. 3) and providing multi-outlet controlledpower strip functionality. Power strip 900 includes constant “on”outlet(s) 130, controlled outlet(s) 150, power supply circuit 975,control circuit 290, receiver circuit 343, logic circuit 345, and manualswitch 348. Power strip 900 includes a line node 940, a neutral node 941and a ground node 942 as well as numerous other nodes. Node 940 is inelectrical communication with a line voltage, and in one embodiment issubstantially similar to node 502 in FIG. 5. Node 941 is in electricalcommunication with the neutral line. Node 942 is in electricalcommunication with ground. Elements numbered as in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and/or7 function in a substantially similarly way.

In operation, a user determines when the peripheral devices should havepower. The user sends an encoded signal to the unit to perform the power“on” or “off” function. Receiver circuit 343 receives the signal, tunes,amplifies, and converts it into an electrical signal that is passed tologic circuit 345 for implementation. As described in FIG. 7 above,logic circuit 345 switches controlled outlet(s) 150 “on” or “off.”Manual switch 348 also switches the controlled outlet(s) 150 “on” or“off.” The power supply is a single module, which generates power forboth relay circuit 7014 of control circuit 290 and the low voltagecircuitry of power supply circuit 975, described below.

In FIG. 9, power supply circuit 975 includes a resistor 920 locatedbetween node 901 and 940, and capacitor 921 located between node 901 and940. Full-wave bridge rectifier 922 includes a pin1 coupled to relayground node (RLYGND) 945, pin2 coupled to node 907, pin3 coupled to node901, and pin4 coupled to node 902. Resistor 936 is located between node907 and node 941. Inductor 923 is located between node 902 and node 903.Capacitor 924 is located between node 903 and RLYGND 945. Polarizedcapacitor 925 includes an anode coupled to node 903 and a cathodecoupled to RLYGND 945, and Zener diode 926 includes an anode coupled toRLYGND 945 and a cathode coupled to node 903. Inductor 929 is locatedbetween RLYGND 945 and GND 944. Capacitor 927 is located between node903 and GND 944. Low drop-out (LDO) regulator 928 includes an input pincoupled to node 903, an output pin coupled to node 906, and a ground pincoupled to GND 944. Capacitor 930 is located between node 906 and GND944, and capacitor 931 is located between node 906 and GND 944. Resistor932 is located between node 906 and node 904, and LED 933 includes ananode coupled to node 904 and a cathode coupled to GND 944. Inductor 934is located between node 906 and node 905. Inductor 935 is locatedbetween RFGND 943 and GND 944.

In FIG. 9, Resistor 932 and LED 933 are not used to generate power, butare an indicator circuit providing an indicator light when twoconditions are both met. The two conditions are: (1) that constant “on”outlet(s) 130 have power; and (2) the main MOVs of MOV protectioncircuit 500 in FIG. 5 have not failed. Capacitor 921 is a reactivevoltage divider, which supplies a reduced voltage that is currentlimited to the full-wave bridge rectifier 922. Resistor 920 is a bleederresistor for capacitor 921. Resistor 936 is a fuse in the event thatcapacitor 921 shorted. Resistor 936 is shown as a zero ohm resistor, butin other embodiments Resistor 936 can be, for example, a 100 ohms and 1watt flameproof resistor. Full-wave bridge rectifier 922 convertsincoming AC power to DC power. Capacitors 924 and 925, inductor 923 andZener diode 926 act to attenuate surge over-voltages. Capacitor 925smoothes the rectified voltage from the bridge and stores the energy foruse by relay circuit 7014 of control circuit 290. Zener diode 926 has asecond function in which it establishes the maximum voltage acrosscapacitor 925. Capacitor 927 and inductor 929 protect against surgevoltages. Capacitor 927 also provides a high-frequency, low-impedancesource for LDO regulator 928 allowing LDO regulator 928 to respond tofast changing loads. LDO regulator 928 is an active LDO regulator thatprovides a fixed voltage output for the receiver circuit 343 and logiccircuit 345. Capacitors 930 and 931 help to further smooth the outputvoltage and provide a required pole for LDO regulator 928. Inductors 934and 935 isolate noise generated in the logic circuit from the radio.

In FIG. 9, Zener diode 926 generates the 24 volts needed to initiallyclose relay circuit 7014 of control circuit 290. This voltage is toohigh for the rest of the circuitry and is regulated down to 3.3 volts byLDO regulator 928. Unfortunately, the process of regulating the voltagedown from 24 volts to 3.3 volts is inefficient and consumes real powerin the LDO regulator 928 and in Zener diode 926. To counteract thisproblem, the value of capacitor 921 keeps the inefficient powerconsumption at a minimum. When relay circuit 7014 of control circuit 290is engaged, the voltage across Zener diode 926 reduces to approximately7.6 volts and there is little to no power wastage in Zener diode 926 aswell as reduced power wastage within LDO regulator 928. This embodiment,while not saving as much power as the dual power supplies previouslydescribed, still saves power both in the design function and in thedesign itself.

In FIG. 9, LDO regulator 928 can be implemented as any suitable LDOregulator, such as, for example a LP2950ACDT-3.3 available from ONSemiconductor of Phoenix, Ariz. Full-wave bridge rectifier 922 can beimplemented as any suitable full-wave bridge rectifier, such as, forexample a S1ZB60 available from Shindengen America, Inc of Bannockburn,Ill. Zener Diode 926 can be implemented as any suitable 24 volt Zenerdiode. LED 933 can be implemented as any suitable green LED. Inductors923, 929, 934 and 935 are inductors having 1 kΩ at 100. Capacitors 924,927 and 930 can be implemented as any suitable 0.1 μF capacitors.Capacitor 921 can be implemented as any suitable 0.47 μF capacitor.Polarized capacitor 925 can be implemented as any suitable 100 μF at 50volts polarized capacitor. Capacitor 931 can be implemented as anysuitable 4.7 μF capacitor. Resistor 920 can be implemented as anysuitable 470 kΩ resistor. Resistor 932 can be implemented as anysuitable 332Ω resistor. Resistor and capacitor elements can be obtainedfrom any reputable electronic parts distributor or retailer.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a method 1000 of providing aselectable output AC power signal, according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. Method 1000 includes a process 1010 of producing anoutput AC power signal, a first DC power signal, and a second DC powersignal at a power supply and based on a received input AC power signal.As an example, method 1000 can be a method associated with power strip200 in FIG. 2, power strip 300 in FIG. 3, and/or power strip 400 in FIG.4. In this example, the output AC power signal of process 1010 can besimilar to the output AC power signal for constant “on” outlet(s) 130,controlled outlet(s) 150, and/or master outlet(s) 240. in this sameexample, the first DC power signal of process 1010 can be similar to theoutput of HI PWR circuit 270, and the second DC power signal of process1010 can be similar to the output of LO PWR circuit 280. In addition,the received input AC power signal of process 1010 can be similar to theinput for power plug 120.

Next, method 1000 includes a process 1020 of producing a control signalat a control circuit based on a received command signal and the secondDC power signal. As an example, the control signal of process 1020 canbe similar to the signal transmitted from command input device 140 tocontrol circuit 290 (FIGS. 2-4). In this same example, the commandsignal of process 1020 can be similar to the command signal generatedwithin and transmitted within command input device 140 (FIGS. 2-4).

Subsequently, method 1000 includes a process 1030 of powering a switchcircuit with the first DC power signal based on the control signal andthe second DC power signal. As an example, the switch circuit of process1030 can be a portion of control circuit 290 (FIGS. 2-4).

After process 1030, method 1000 includes a process 1040 of providing theoutput AC power signal to a load when the switch circuit is powered. Asan example, the load of process 1040 can be similar to a device pluggedin to any of constant “on” outlet(s) 130, controlled outlet(s) 150, ormaster outlet(s) 240 (FIGS. 2-4).

Next, in some embodiments, method 1000 can include a process 1050 ofproviding the output AC power signal to a constant power outlet when theoutput AC power signal is produced. As an example, the constant poweroutlet of process 1050 can be similar to constant “on” outlet(s) 130(FIGS. 2-4).

FIG. 11 illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of an exemplarysystem 1100 for providing a relocatable power tap (RPT) incorporating animproved power supply that uses approximately zero power when inactive.In some embodiments, the “zero power when inactive feature” incorporatedwithin this device may be used in other embodiments of powerdistribution/management devices, such as, for example, multi-outletcontrolled power strips, multi-outlet controlled power strips with surgeprotection, and multi-outlet controlled power strips using variousstimuli (e.g., manual, remote, sensor, and the like). In otherembodiments and as similarly described above with respect to FIGS. 1-10,this configuration of control circuitry 110 (FIG. 10) prevents excessiveuse of energy in the Run State (e.g., maintaining the switched state ofthe energized relay). In these embodiments, when using the featuresdescribed above and below, this configuration of internal assembly 1210(FIG. 12) achieves the above improvements as well as zero power use inthe Inactive State. In some embodiments, “approximately zero power” and“zero power” mean power in the nanoampere range, the picoampere range,or the femtoampere range.

Skipping ahead, FIGS. 14 through 17 illustrate additional isometricviews of system 1100. System 1100 includes various components, includingelectrical prongs 1101, an electrical outlet 1102, switches, buttons,slides, and/or other user input devices 1103 and 1104, visual, audible,and/or tactile indicators 1105, and housing 1110. In one embodiment,user input device 1103 has two settings (e.g., on and off), and userinput device 1104 has three settings (e.g., 1.5 hours, 3 hours, and 6hours). Electrical prongs 1101 and electrical outlet 1102 can beconfigured for US electrical systems or other electrical systems.Electrical prongs 1101 can include two or three prongs, and electricaloutlet 1102 can include two or three holes. In one embodiment, system1100 comprises a system that can be held in a user's hand and that canbe manually coupled to an electrical wall outlet by the user withoutusing any tools.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of an exemplarysystem 1200 for providing a RPT incorporating an improved power supplythat uses approximately zero power when inactive. System 1200 in FIG. 12is a detailed view of system 1100 of FIG. 11. As shown in FIG. 12,system 1200 can comprise internal assembly 1210, power plug 1201, andoutlet 1202. Internal assembly 1210 can comprise Power Switch Block(PSB) 1220, Power Conserve Feature Block (PCFB) 1230, Low Voltage PowerSupply Block (LVPSB) 1240, and microcontroller (uController) 1250.uController 1250 can be a microcontroller, a processor with a separatememory component, or other equivalent component(s). As described abovewith respect to FIGS. 1-10, internal assembly 1210 can be configured tofunction in either a start-up state (Start Up State) or in a continuousrun state (Run State). Additionally, internal assembly 1210 can beconfigured to function in an inactive state using zero power (InactiveState). In operation, these states can be entered sequentially with theStart Up State being the first state, the Run State being the secondstate, and the Inactive State being the third state. In otherembodiments, the states can be entered into according to a differentsequence.

Referring to FIG. 12, the power and power switching function can becontained in PSB 1220. PSB 1220 can be coupled to power plug 1201 andoutlet 1202. PSB 1220 can be configured to receive an unswitched ACpower signal from power plug 1201 and provide switched AC power signalto a load coupled to outlet 1202. PSB 1220 can be electrically coupledto PCFB 1230 and LVPSB 1240, and can be in electrical communication withuController 1250. PSB 1220 can be configured to provide a high-voltageAC signal to PCFB 1230.

In some situations, PCFB 1230 can be electrically coupled to LVPSB 1240.When PCFB 1230 is electrically coupled to LVPSB 1240 and PCFB 1230receives the high voltage AC signal from PSB 1220, PCFB 1230 can beconfigured to attenuate the high voltage AC signal into a low voltage ACsignal and to pass the low voltage AC signal to LVPSB 1240. In somesituations, during the Start Up State PCFB 1230 can attenuate the highvoltage AC signal into a low voltage AC signal while dissipating realpower for a short period of time. In these situations, during the RunState PCFB 1230 can attenuate the high voltage AC signal into a lowvoltage AC signal without dissipating real power. Additionally, PCFB1230 can comprise a manual switch (e.g., a manual switch, a momentaryswitch, a push button switch, etc.) for allowing a user controlled StartUp State initiation.

LVPSB 1240 can be additionally electrically coupled to PSB 1220 anduController 1250. LVPSB 1240 can be configured to receive the lowvoltage AC signal from PCFB 1230 and to convert the low voltage ACsignal into a first low voltage DC signal and a second low voltage DCsignal. LVPSB 1240 can be configured to pass the first low voltage DCsignal to PSB 1220 and to pass the second low voltage DC signal touController 1250. In some embodiments, simultaneous to LVPSB 1240converting the low voltage AC signal into a first low voltage DC signaland a second low voltage DC signal, the low voltage AC signal from PCFB1230 also can cause LVPSB 1240 to optically or otherwise visiblyindicate that power is on. In other embodiments, the indication may bepresented by any means such as audio, tactile, and the like, or anycombination thereof. In some embodiments, the initial indication can beat a higher intensity (e.g., during the manual button press for theStart Up State due to PCFB 1230 dissipating real power in this state)for as long as the manual switch is depressed.

As described above, uController 1250 is in electrical communication withPSB 1220. uController 1250 can be configured to receive the second lowvoltage DC signal from LVPSB 1240 and a time select signal from a userinterface (e.g., a slide switch, potentiometer, an encoder, a remotedevice, etc.). The received signals help uController 1250 determine thelength of time internal assembly 1210 will allow power plug 1201 toprovide the switched AC power signal to outlet 1202 via PSB 1220.

In operation, when the manual switch located within PCFB 1230 isdepressed to initiate the Start Up State, which in turn allows a timerfunction within uController 1250 to countdown a time period based on thereceived time select signal, a resulting low voltage AC signal isproduced by PCFB 1230 causing LVPSB 1240 to send the first low voltageDC signal to PSB 1220 to latch at the switched AC power signal (theoutput power level) associated with outlet 1202. In some embodiments,when internal assembly 1210 is in the Start Up State (e.g., when theuser presses the manual switch), the first low voltage DC is provided toPSB 1220 and is dissipating real power within PCFB 1230 (as describedabove). In these embodiments, when internal assembly 1210 is in the RunState (e.g., when the user releases the manual switch), the first lowvoltage DC signal can be seamlessly provided to PSB 1220 and is notdissipating real power within PCFB 1230 (as described above). In thecase of stopping the RPT during normal operations, there can be a singlemethod—a timed method. During the timed method stop, the time selectsignal determines the length of time loaded into a time counter withinuController 1250. Because uController 1250 is in electricalcommunication with PSB 1220, when the time counter counts down to zero,uController 1250 sends a control signal to PSB 1220 to disconnect theswitched AC power signal from outlet 1202.

FIG. 13 is a circuit schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of aportion of an exemplary system for providing a relocatable power tap(RPT) incorporating an improved power supply that uses approximatelyzero power when inactive. RPT 1300 in FIG. 13 is a detailed view of aportion of RPT 1200 of FIG. 12. RPT 1300 performs the functionality asdescribed in FIG. 12 by receiving an unswitched AC power signal from apower distribution node, such as, for example a wall outlet, andproviding a switched AC power signal to an associated single outletcontained within RPT 1200. In a different embodiment, the RPT receivesthe unswitched AC power signal from the power distribution node, andprovides the switched AC power signal to multiple outlets containedwithin the RPT. RPT 1300 comprises internal assembly 1310, power plug1201 and outlet 1202. Internal assembly 1310 includes Power Switch Block(PSB) 1220, Power Conserve Feature Block (PCFB) 1230, Low Voltage PowerSupply Block (LVPSB) 1240, and uController 1250. RPT 1300 comprises anunswitched line node 1303, a neutral node 1304, and a ground node 1305,and can comprise numerous other nodes. Unswitched line node 1303 is inelectrical communication with an AC power signal. Node 1304 is inelectrical communication with the neutral line. Node 1305 is inelectrical communication with ground. Elements in FIG. 13 that arenumbered as in FIG. 12 can function in a substantially similar way, asdescribed with respect to FIG. 12. As described above with respect toFIGS. 1-10, internal assembly 1310 is configured to function in either astart-up state (Start Up State) or in a continuous run state (RunState). Additionally, internal assembly 1310 is configured to functionin an inactive state using approximately zero power (Inactive State). Inoperation, these states are entered sequentially with the Start Up Statebeing the first state, the Run State being the second state, and theInactive State being the third state. In other embodiments, these statesare performed in a different sequence.

Power plug 1201 comprises a prong assembly for interfacing with a walloutlet as well as three (3) outputs including a line output coupled tounswitched line node 1303, a neutral output coupled to node 1304 and aground output coupled to node 1305. PSB 1220 comprises relay 1321, tracefuse 1326, diode 1323, bi-polar junction transistor (BJT) 1322, resistor1324, and resistor 1325. Relay 1321 of PSB 1220 can comprise five (5)pins with pin5 electrically coupled to unswitched line node 1303.Additionally, pin3 of relay 1321 is electrically coupled to node 1327;pin2 of relay 1321 is electrically coupled to internal ground node 1306;and pin4 of relay 1321 is coupled to node 1309. In other embodiments,relay 1321 can be implemented as a four (4) pin relay. Trace fuse 1326comprises a first end electrically coupled to node 1327 and a second endcoupled to node 1328. The cathode of diode 1323 is electrically coupledto node 1309, and the anode of diode 1323 is electrically coupled tointernal ground node 1306. Bi-polar junction transistor (BJT) 1322comprises an emitter, a collector, and a base. The collector of BJT 1322is electrically coupled to node 1309; the emitter of BJT 1322 iselectrically coupled to internal ground node 1306; and the base of BJT1322 is electrically coupled to node 13201. Resistor 1324 includes afirst end and a second end. The first end of resistor 1324 iselectrically coupled to node 13201, and the second end of resistor 1324is electrically coupled to node 1307. Resistor 1325 includes a first endand a second end. The first end of resistor 1325 is electrically coupledto node 1307, and the second end of resistor 1325 is electricallycoupled to internal ground node 1306.

In FIG. 13, PCFB 1230 comprises manual switch 1331, capacitor 1332,resistor 1333, resistor 1334, resistor 1335, resistor 1336, and tracefuse 1337. Manual switch 1331 of PCFB 1230 comprises three (3) pins.Pin2 of manual switch 1331 is electrically coupled to unswitched linenode 1303. Additionally, pin1 of manual switch 1331 is electricallycoupled to node 1338. In other embodiments, manual switch 1331 can beimplemented as a two (2) pin manual switch. Resistor 1333 includes afirst end and a second end. The first end of resistor 1333 iselectrically coupled to node 1338, and the second end of resistor 1333is electrically coupled to node 13301. Resistor 1334 includes a firstend and a second end. The first end of resistor 1334 is electricallycoupled to node 13301, and the second end of resistor 1334 iselectrically coupled to node 1308. Trace fuse 1337 includes a first endand a second end. The first end of trace fuse 1337 is electricallycoupled to node 1327, and the second end of trace fuse 1337 iselectrically coupled to node 1339. Capacitor 1332 is implemented as anon-polarized capacitor and includes a first end and a second end. Thefirst end of capacitor 1332 is electrically coupled to node 1339, andthe second end of capacitor 1332 is electrically coupled to node 1308.Resistor 1335 includes a first end and a second end. The first end ofresistor 1335 is electrically coupled to node 1339, and the second endof resistor 1335 is electrically coupled to node 13302. Resistor 1336includes a first end and a second end. The first end of resistor 1336 iselectrically coupled to node 13302, and the second end of resistor 1336is electrically coupled to node 1308.

In FIG. 13, LVPSB 1240 comprises full-wave bridge rectifier 1341,non-polarized capacitor 1342, polarized capacitor 1343, Zener diode1344, resistor 1345, light emitting diode (LED) 1346, non-polarizedcapacitor 1347, polarized capacitor 1348, Zener diode 1349, inductor13401, and resistor 13402. Inductor 13401 includes a first end and asecond end. The first end of inductor 13401 is electrically coupled tonode 1308, and the second end of inductor 13401 is electrically coupledto node 13403. In some embodiments, inductor 13401 can be implemented asa ferrite-bead choke. Full-wave bridge rectifier 1341 includes four (4)pins. Pin3 (e.g., AC input) of full-wave bridge rectifier 1341 iselectrically coupled to node 13403; a pin2 (e.g., dual anode DC output)is electrically coupled to internal ground node 1306; a pin4 (e.g., ACinput) is electrically coupled to node 1304; and a pin1 (e.g., dualcathode DC output) is electrically coupled to node 1309. In someembodiments, the functionality of the full-wave bridge rectifier can beaccomplished using discrete diodes. Non-polarized capacitor 1342includes a first end and a second end. The first end of non-polarizedcapacitor 1342 is electrically coupled to node 1309, and the second endof non-polarized capacitor 1342 is electrically coupled to internalground node 1306. Polarized capacitor 1343 includes an anode and acathode. The anode of polarized capacitor 1343 is electrically coupledto node 1309, and the cathode of polarized capacitor 1343 iselectrically coupled to internal ground node 1306. Zener diode 1344includes an anode and a cathode. The cathode of Zener diode 1344 iselectrically coupled to node 1309, and the anode of Zener diode 1344 iselectrically coupled to internal ground node 1306. Resistor 1345includes a first end and a second end. The first end of resistor 1345 iselectrically coupled to node 1309, and the second end of resistor 1345is electrically coupled to node 13404. LED 1346 includes an anode and acathode. The anode of LED 1346 is electrically coupled to node 13404,and the cathode of LED 1346 is electrically coupled to node 13001.Resistor 13402 includes a first end and a second end. The first end ofresistor 13402 is electrically coupled to node 13001, and the second endof resistor 13402 is electrically coupled to internal ground node 1306.Zener diode 1349 includes an anode and a cathode. The cathode of Zenerdiode 1349 is electrically coupled to node 13001, and the anode of Zenerdiode 1349 is electrically coupled to internal ground node 1306.Non-polarized capacitor 1347 includes a first end and a second end. Thefirst end of non-polarized capacitor 1347 is electrically coupled tonode 13001, and the second end of non-polarized capacitor 1347 iselectrically coupled to internal ground node 1306. Polarized capacitor1348 includes an anode and a cathode. The anode of polarized capacitor1348 is electrically coupled to node 13001, and the cathode of polarizedcapacitor 1348 is electrically coupled to internal ground node 1306.

In FIG. 13, uController 1250 comprises uController 1351, slide switch1352, resistor 1353, resistor 1354, non-polarized capacitor 1355, andprogramming pads 1356-1359 and 13500-13501. uController 1351 includessix (6) pins. Pin6 of uController 1351 is electrically coupled to node1307; pin5 of uController 1351 is electrically coupled to node 13001;pin4 of uController 1351 is electrically coupled to node 13505; pin3 ofuController 1351 is electrically coupled to node 13502; pin2 ofuController 1351 is electrically coupled to internal ground node 1306;and pin1 of uController 1351 is electrically coupled to node 13503. Insome embodiments, uController 1351 can be implemented as any suitablemicrocontroller, such as, for example PIC10F22 available from MicroChipTechnology, Inc. of Chandler, Ariz. In FIG. 13, slide switch 1352includes four (4) pins, as well as a manual slide arm (not numbered).Pin2 of slide switch 1352 is electrically coupled to node 13504; pin3 ofslide switch 1352 is electrically coupled to node 13503; and pin4 ofslide switch 1352 is electrically coupled to internal ground node 1306.Although pin1 is not electrically coupled to any node, in otherembodiments pin1 could be utilized. Resistor 1353 includes a first endand a second end. The first end of resistor 1353 is electrically coupledto internal ground node 1306, and the second end of resistor 1353 iselectrically coupled to node 13504. Resistor 1354 includes a first endand a second end. The first end of resistor 1354 is electrically coupledto node 13001, and the second end of resistor 1354 is electricallycoupled to node 13503. Non-polarized capacitor 1355 includes a first endand a second end. The first end of non-polarized capacitor 1355 iselectrically coupled to node 13001, and the second end of non-polarizedcapacitor 1355 is electrically coupled to internal ground node 1306.Programming pad 1356 is electrically coupled to node 13505; programmingpad 1357 is electrically coupled to node 13001; programming pad 1358 iselectrically coupled to internal ground node 1306; programming pad 1359is electrically coupled to node 13503; programming pad 13500 iselectrically coupled to node 13502; and programming pad 13501 iselectrically coupled to a null node.

In operation, the unswitched AC power signal enters internal assembly1310 at node 1303 and node 1304 via the associated prongs of power plug1201. The unswitched AC power signal is passed to pin5 (normally opencontact) of relay 1321. In other embodiments, the functionality of relay1321 may be replaced with triacs, a discrete silicon controlledrectifier contained within a diode bridge, and the like. When relay 1321is energized, the unswitched AC power signal is passed to trace fuse1326 and on to outlet 1202 (and, therefore, the load coupled to outlet1202) via node 1328. The return side of the AC power signal passes fromoutlet 1202 (and, therefore, the load coupled to outlet 1202) via node1304 and on to power plug 1201 and is then returned to origin. Externalground is fed to power plug 1201 and is passed to outlet 1202 via node1305. During the Start Up State, a user activates manual switch 1331,and the high-voltage AC signal is passed to pin2 of manual switch 1331via node 1303. The high-voltage AC signal is passed to resistor 1333 vianode 1338 and then on to resistor 1334 via node 13301. The resistor(s)provide voltage attenuation, thereby producing a low voltage AC signal.In some embodiments, resistor 1334 is replaced with a jumper wire, suchas, for example in jurisdictions having lower voltages. The low voltageAC signal is then passed to LVPSB 1240 via node 1308. While internalassembly 1310 is in the Start Up State, resistor 1333 and resistor 1334(if used) are dissipating real power. During the Run State, the user nolonger activates manual switch 1331, and the AC power signal cannot bepassed to pin2 of manual switch 1331. Instead, the switched high-voltageAC signal is passed to trace fuse 1337 via node 1327 and then on tonon-polarized capacitor 1332 via node 1339. Non-polarized capacitor 1332provides voltage attenuation thereby producing a low voltage AC signal.The low voltage AC signal is then passed to LVPSB 1240 via node 1308.While internal assembly 1310 is in the Run State, non-polarizedcapacitor 1332 is not dissipating real power. In some embodiments, if auser continues to depress manual switch 1331 during the Run State,resistors 1333 and 1334 will continue dissipating real power whilenon-polarized capacitor 1332 is not dissipating real power. In otherembodiments, resistors 1335 and 1336 are supplied to dischargenon-polarized capacitor 1332.

Continuing the operation, when the low voltage AC signal is received atinductor 13401, the low voltage AC signal is passed to full-wave bridgerectifier 1341 via node 13403. In some embodiments, inductor 13401provides surge protection to the internal circuitry of internal assembly1310. Full-wave bridge rectifier 1341 receives low voltage AC signal andproduces an intermediate low voltage DC signal. The intermediate lowvoltage DC signal is simultaneously passed to non-polarized capacitor1342, polarized capacitor 1343, and Zener diode 1344, which incombination produce a smoothed DC power signal called the first lowvoltage DC signal that is passed to pin4 (e.g., the coil) of relay 1321via node 1309. When the first low voltage signal is received at relay1321 in a sufficient quantity, the armature of relay 1321 actuates,thereby moving from pin1 to pin5, and internal assembly 1310 enters theRun State. Simultaneous to the first low voltage DC signal passing torelay 1321 via node 1309, a small portion of the first low voltage DCsignal is passed to resistor 1345 via node 1309. Resistor 1309attenuates the first low voltage DC signal and passes the attenuatedfirst low voltage DC signal to LED 1346 via node 13404 which furtherattenuates the first low voltage DC signal. LED 1346 simultaneouslypasses the further attenuated first low voltage DC signal tonon-polarized capacitor 1347, polarized capacitor 1348, resistor 13402,and Zener diode 1349, which in combination produce a smoothed DC powersignal called the second low voltage DC signal that is passed touController 1250 via node 13001. In some embodiments, resistor 13402provides an additional current path allowing LED 1346 to produceadditional illumination.

Continuing the operation, when the second low voltage DC signal isreceived at pin5 of uController 1351 via node 13001, uController 1351 isinitialized (e.g., begins the boot process). After uController 1351initializes, uController 1351 checks pin1 for the time select signalfrom a user interface (e.g., a slide switch, potentiometer, an encoder,a remote device, etc.) from switch 1352, for example, from asingle-pole, three-position slide switch, such as, slide switch 1104 ofFIG. 11. In some embodiments, the time select signal provided by switch1352 can be differentiated as each of the three positions of switch 1352produces a different voltage level. In these embodiments, resistors 1353and 1354 aid in switch 1352 producing the three voltage levels of thetime select signal. Non-polarized capacitor 1355 absorbs transients,thereby assisting in the stabilization of second low voltage DC signalthat is used to power uController 1351. Programming pads 1356-1359 and13500-13501 are utilized for loading firmware programming intouController 1351 during production.

Continuing the operation, the received time select signal provides atime value to uController 1351, which then is loaded into a countdownregister within uController 1351. The time value is the amount that timeinternal assembly 1310 will allow power plug 1201 to provide theswitched AC power signal to outlet 1202 via PSB 1220. While thecountdown is running on uController 1351, uController 1351 is checkingpin1 for an updated time select signal from switch 1352. In the event anew time select signal is received from switch 1352 at pin1 ofuController 1351, the current value to reset to the new value, and thecountdown resumes from the new value. In some embodiments, pin1 iselectrically coupled to an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) devicewithin uController 1351. In these embodiments, the ADC differentiatesbetween each of the three voltage level values provided by switch 1352.

When the value within the countdown register reaches zero, uController1351 issues a control signal to PSB 1220. The control signal is receivedvia a resistor network including resistors 1324 and 1325. Resistor 1325insures when the control signal is absent that no current is flowinginto BJT 1322. When the control signal is present, resistor 1324attenuates the control signal, and the attenuated control signal ispassed to the base of BJT 1322 to forward-bias BJT 1322, causingconduction between the emitter and collector of BJT 1322. When BJT 1322conducts, the first low voltage DC signal at node 1309 is then shuntedto internal ground node 1306 and thereby to internal ground. Shuntingthe first low voltage DC signal to internal ground de-energizes the coilof relay 1321, thus allowing the armature of relay 1321 to return to thenormally open position. Returning the armature of relay 1321 to thenormally open position interrupts the switched AC power signal frompower plug 1201 to outlet 1202. Because a back EMF pulse is typicallygenerated when the coil of relay 1321 is de-energized, diode 1323 ispresent to absorb the back EMF pulse and therefore protect BJT 1322.

Referring back to the figures, FIG. 18 illustrates a flow chart for anembodiment of a method 1800 for manufacturing an electrical system.Method 1800 is merely exemplary and is not limited to the embodimentspresented herein. Method 1800 can be employed in many differentembodiments or examples not specifically depicted or described herein.In some embodiments, the procedures, processes and/or the activities ofmethod 1800 can be performed in the order presented. In otherembodiments, the procedures, processes and/or the activities of themethod 1800 can be performed in any other suitable order. In still otherembodiments, one or more of the procedures, processes and/or theactivities in method 1800 can be combined or skipped.

Referring now to FIG. 18, method 1800 can comprise a procedure 1805 ofproviding a power input.

Method 1800 can comprise a procedure 1810 of providing at least onepower output configured to be electrically coupled to at least one load.

Method 1800 can comprise a procedure 1815 of providing a first userinput device configured to provide a start up input.

Method 1800 can comprise a procedure 1820 of providing a second userinput device configured to provide a time select input.

Method 1800 can comprise a procedure 1825 of providing an internalassembly comprising: a power switch module configured to receive a firstpower signal from the power input and comprising a control mechanismthat opens and closes to regulate a flow of the first power signal tothe at least one power output; a power conserve module configured toreceive the first power signal, to receive the start up input, and toattenuate the first power signal to a second power signal and a thirdpower signal; a power supply module configured to receive the secondpower signal and the third power signal, to convert the second powersignal into a fourth power signal and a fifth power signal, to convertthe third power signal into a sixth power signal and a seventh powersignal, and to provide the fourth power signal and the sixth powersignal to the power switch module; and a control module configured toreceive the fifth power signal, the seventh power signal, and the timeselect input.

Method 1800 can comprise a procedure 1830 of coupling the power input tothe power switch module.

Method 1800 can comprise a procedure 1835 of coupling the at least onepower output to the power switch module.

Method 1800 can comprise a procedure 1840 of coupling the power switchmodule to the power conserve module.

Method 1800 can comprise a procedure 1845 of coupling the power switchmodule to the power supply module.

Method 1800 can comprise a procedure 1850 of coupling the power conservemodule to the power supply module.

Method 1800 can comprise a procedure 1855 of coupling the power supplymodule to the control module.

Method 1800 can comprise a procedure 1860 of coupling the control moduleto the power switch module

In some embodiments of Method 1800, the first user input devicecomprises at least one of a manual switch, a momentary switch, or a pushbutton switch.

In some embodiments of Method 1800, the second user input devicecomprises at least one of a slide switch, potentiometer, an encoder, ora remote device.

Method 1800 can comprise a procedure 1865 of providing at least oneindicator configured to activate when the power supply module receivesat least one of the second power signal or the third power signal.

Method 1800 can comprise a procedure 1870 of coupling the at least oneindicator to the power supply module.

In many embodiments, at least two of procedures 1830, 1835, 1840, 1845,1850, 1855, and 1860 can occur simultaneously with each other.

Referring back to the figures, FIG. 19 illustrates a flow chart for anembodiment of a method 1900 for regulating a flow of a first powersignal to at least one power output. Method 1900 is merely exemplary andis not limited to the embodiments presented herein. Method 1900 can beemployed in many different embodiments or examples not specificallydepicted or described herein. In some embodiments, the procedures,processes and/or the activities of method 1900 can be performed in theorder presented. In other embodiments, the procedures, processes and/orthe activities of the method 1900 can be performed in any other suitableorder. In still other embodiments, one or more of the procedures,processes and/or the activities in method 1900 can be combined orskipped.

Method 1900 can comprise a procedure 1905 of attenuating the first powersignal to a second power signal having a lower voltage than the firstpower signal.

Method 1900 can comprise a procedure 1910 of converting the second powersignal to a third power signal and a fourth power signal, the secondpower signal having an alternating current and the third power signaland fourth power signal having direct currents.

Method 1900 can comprise a procedure 1915 of permitting the first powersignal to flow to the at least one power output after receiving acontrol mechanism activation signal.

Method 1900 can comprise a procedure 1920 of activating a countdownregister such that the countdown register counts down from a timeinterval until the time interval elapses.

Method 1900 can comprise a procedure 1925 of attenuating the first powersignal to a fifth power signal having a lower voltage than the firstpower signal and the second power signal.

Method 1900 can comprise a procedure 1930 of converting the fifth powersignal to a sixth power signal and a seventh power signal, the fifthpower signal having an alternating current and the sixth power signaland the seventh power signal having direct currents;

Method 1900 can comprise a procedure 1935 of powering the controlmechanism with the sixth power signal such that the control mechanismremains in a state permitting the first power signal to flow to the atleast one power output;

Method 1900 can comprise a procedure 1940 of referencing the countdownregister to determine whether the time interval has elapsed.

Method 1900 can comprise a procedure 1945 of prohibiting the first powersignal from flowing to the at least one power output when the timeinterval elapses or after the time interval.

Method 1900 can comprise a procedure 1950 of prohibiting the flow of thefirst power signal to the at least one power output such thatapproximately zero power passes to the at least one power output whenthe countdown register is not counting down from the time interval.

In some embodiments, method 1900 can comprise a procedure of activatingan indicator upon the occurrence of at least one of: converting thesecond power signal to a third power signal and a fourth power signal,the second power signal having an alternating current and the thirdpower signal and fourth power signal having direct currents; orconverting the fifth power signal to a sixth power signal and a seventhpower signal, the fifth power signal having an alternating current andthe sixth power signal and the seventh power signal having directcurrents.

In some embodiments, method 1900 can comprise a procedure of obtainingthe first power signal from an electrical wall outlet.

In some embodiments, method 1900 can comprise a procedure of coupling atleast one electrical load to the at least one power output.

Although the invention has been described with reference to specificembodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes may be made without departing from the scope of theinvention. Additional examples of such changes have been given in theforegoing description. Accordingly, the disclosure of embodiments isintended to be illustrative of the scope of the invention and is notintended to be limiting. It is intended that the scope of the inventionshall be limited only to the extent required by the appended claims. Toone of ordinary skill in the art, it will be readily apparent that thedevices and method discussed herein may be implemented in a variety ofembodiments, and that the foregoing discussion of certain of theseembodiments does not necessarily represent a complete description of allpossible embodiments. Rather, the detailed description of the drawings,and the drawings themselves, disclose at least one preferred embodiment,and may disclose alternative embodiments.

Although the invention has been described with reference to specificembodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scopeof the invention. Accordingly, the disclosure of embodiments of theinvention is intended to be illustrative of the scope of the inventionand is not intended to be limiting. It is intended that the scope of theinvention shall be limited only to the extent required by the appendedclaims. For example, the methods described herein may be comprised ofmany different activities and/or procedures, and may be performed bymany different modules, in many different orders than any element ofFIGS. 1-19, and the foregoing discussion of certain of these embodimentsdoes not necessarily represent a complete description of all possibleembodiments.

All elements claimed in any particular claim are essential to theembodiment claimed in that particular claim. Consequently, replacementof one or more claimed elements constitutes reconstruction and notrepair. Additionally, benefits, other advantages, and solutions toproblems have been described with regard to specific embodiments. Thebenefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element or elementsthat may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or becomemore pronounced, however, are not to be construed as critical, required,or essential features or elements of any or all of the claims, unlesssuch benefits, advantages, solutions, or elements are expressly statedin such claim.

Moreover, embodiments and limitations disclosed herein are not dedicatedto the public under the doctrine of dedication if the embodiments and/orlimitations: (1) are not expressly claimed in the claims; and (2) are orare potentially equivalents of express elements and/or limitations inthe claims under the doctrine of equivalents.

1. An electrical system comprising: a power input; at least one poweroutput configured to be electrically coupled to at least one load; afirst user input device configured to provide a start up input; a seconduser input device configured to provide a time select input; and aninternal assembly comprising: a power switch module electrically coupledbetween the power input and the at least one power output, the powerswitch module being configured to receive a first power signal from thepower input and comprising a control mechanism configured to open andclose to regulate a flow of the first power signal to the at least onepower output; a power conserve module electrically coupled to the powerswitch module, the power conserve module being configured to receive thefirst power signal from the power switch module, to receive the start upinput from the first user input device, and to attenuate the first powersignal to a second power signal and a third power signal at differenttimes; a power supply module electrically coupled between the powerswitch module and the power conserve module, the power supply modulebeing configured to receive the second power signal and the third powersignal at different times from the power conserve module, to convert thesecond power signal into a fourth power signal and a fifth power signal,to convert the third power signal into a sixth power signal and aseventh power signal, and to provide the fourth power signal and thesixth power signal at different times to the power switch module; acontrol module electrically coupled between the power supply module andthe power switch module, the control module being configured to receivethe fifth power signal and the seventh power signal at different timesfrom the power supply module and to receive the time select input fromthe second user input device.
 2. The electrical system of claim 1,wherein: the first power signal has a high voltage; the second powersignal has a first low voltage; the third power signal has a second lowvoltage; and the high voltage being greater than the first low voltageand the second low voltage.
 3. The electrical system of claim 1,wherein: the first power signal, the second power signal, and the thirdpower signal comprise alternating currents; and the fourth power signal,the fifth power signal, the sixth power signal, and the seventh powersignal comprise direct currents.
 4. The electrical system of claim 1,wherein at least one of: the sixth power signal is less than the fourthpower signal; or the seventh power signal is less than the fifth powersignal.
 5. The electrical system of claim 1, wherein, while the powerconserve module receives the start up input: the power conserve modulereceives the first power signal from the power switch module andattenuates the first power signal to the second power signal; the powersupply module receives the second power signal from the power conservemodule and converts the second power signal to the fourth power signaland the fifth power signal; and the power switch module receives thefourth power signal and closes the control mechanism to permit the firstpower signal to pass to the at least one power output.
 6. The electricalsystem of claim 1, wherein while the control mechanism is closed and thepower conserve module is not receiving the start up input: the powerconserve module receives the first power signal from the power switchmodule and attenuates the first power signal to the third power signal;the power supply module receives the third power signal from the powerconserve module and converts the third power signal to the sixth powersignal and the seventh power signal; and the power switch modulereceives the sixth power signal and keeps the control mechanism closedand to permit the first power signal to continue to pass to the at leastone power output.
 7. The electrical system of claim 1, wherein: thecontrol module receives the fifth power signal and the time selectinput; the time select input comprises a length of time; and the controlmodule activates a countdown register set to run for the length of time.8. The electrical system of claim 7, wherein while the control mechanismis closed and the power conserve module is not receiving the start upinput: the power conserve module receives the first power signal fromthe power switch module and attenuates the first power signal to thethird power signal; the power supply module receives the third powersignal from the power conserve module and converts the third powersignal to the sixth power signal and the seventh power signal; thecontrol module receives the seventh power signal and the time selectinput; the control module references the countdown register to determineif the length of time has elapsed; and the control module provides atermination power signal to the power switch module when the length oftime has elapsed and closes the control mechanism to prevent the firstpower signal from passing to the at least one power output and throughthe power conserve module.
 9. The electrical system of claim 1, whereinwhile the control mechanism is open and the power conserve module is notreceiving the start up input: the power switch module is electricallydecoupled from the power conserve module such that the electrical systemconsumes approximately zero power.
 10. The electrical system of claim 1,wherein: the first user input device comprises at least one of a manualswitch, a momentary switch, or a push button switch.
 11. The electricalsystem of claim 1, wherein: the second user input device comprises atleast one of a slide switch, a potentiometer, an encoder, or a remotedevice.
 12. The electrical system of claim 1, wherein: the electricalsystem further comprises at least one indicator; and the at least oneindicator is electrically coupled to the power supply module; the atleast one indicator is configured to active when the power supply modulereceives at least one of the second power signal or the third powersignal; and the at least one indicator comprises at least one of avisual indicator, an audible indicator, or a tactile indicator.
 13. Theelectrical system of claim 12, wherein: the at least one indicator isconfigured to active with a higher intensity when the power supplymodule receives the second power signal than when the power supplymodule receives the third power signal; and the second power signal hasa higher amperage than the third power signal.
 14. The electrical systemof claim 1, wherein: the electrical system is configured to be manuallycoupled to an electrical wall outlet without using any tools.
 15. Amethod for manufacturing an electrical system, the method comprising:providing a power input; providing at least one power output configuredto be electrically coupled to at least one load; providing a first userinput device configured to provide a start up input; providing a seconduser input device configured to provide a time select input; providingan internal assembly comprising: a power switch module configured toreceive a first power signal from the power input and comprising acontrol mechanism that opens and closes to regulate a flow of the firstpower signal to the at least one power output; a power conserve moduleconfigured to receive the first power signal, to receive the start upinput, and to attenuate the first power signal to a second power signaland a third power signal; a power supply module configured to receivethe second power signal and the third power signal, to convert thesecond power signal into a fourth power signal and a fifth power signal,to convert the third power signal into a sixth power signal and aseventh power signal, and to provide the fourth power signal and thesixth power signal to the power switch module; and a control moduleconfigured to receive the fifth power signal, the seventh power signal,and the time select input; coupling the power input to the power switchmodule; coupling the at least one power output to the power switchmodule; coupling the power switch module to the power conserve module;coupling the power switch module to the power supply module; couplingthe power conserve module to the power supply module; coupling the powersupply module to the control module; and coupling the control module tothe power switch module.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein: the firstuser input device comprises at least one of a manual switch, a momentaryswitch, or a push button switch.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein:the second user input device comprises at least one of a slide switch,potentiometer, an encoder, or a remote device.
 18. The method of claim15, further comprising: providing at least one indicator configured toactivate when the power supply module receives at least one of thesecond power signal or the third power signal; and coupling the at leastone indicator to the power supply module.
 19. The method of claim 15,wherein two or more of: coupling the power input to the power switchmodule, coupling the at least one power output to the power switchmodule, coupling the power switch module to the power conserve module,coupling the power switch module to the power supply module, couplingthe power conserve module to the power supply module, coupling the powersupply module to the control module, and coupling the control module tothe power switch module, occur simultaneously with each other.
 20. Amethod for regulating a flow of a first power signal to at least onepower output, the method comprising: attenuating the first power signalto a second power signal having a lower voltage than the first powersignal; converting the second power signal to a third power signal and afourth power signal at different times, the second power signal havingan alternating current and the third power signal and fourth powersignal having direct currents; permitting the first power signal to flowto the at least one power output after receiving a control mechanismactivation signal; activating a countdown register such that thecountdown register counts down from a time interval until the timeinterval elapses; attenuating the first power signal to a fifth powersignal having a lower voltage than the first power signal and the secondpower signal; converting the fifth power signal to a sixth power signaland a seventh power signal, the fifth power signal having an alternatingcurrent and the sixth power signal and the seventh power signal havingdirect currents; powering the control mechanism with the sixth powersignal such that the control mechanism remains in a state permitting thefirst power signal to flow to the at least one power output; referencingthe countdown register to determine whether the time interval haselapsed; prohibiting the first power signal from flowing to the at leastone power output when the time interval elapses or after the timeinterval has elapsed; and prohibiting the flow of the first power signalto the at least one power output such that approximately zero powerpasses to the at least one power output when the countdown register isnot counting down from the time interval.
 21. The method of claim 20,further comprising activating an indicator upon the occurrence of atleast one of: converting the second power signal to a third power signaland a fourth power signal, the second power signal having an alternatingcurrent and the third power signal and fourth power signal having directcurrents; or converting the fifth power signal to a sixth power signaland a seventh power signal, the fifth power signal having an alternatingcurrent and the sixth power signal and the seventh power signal havingdirect currents.
 22. The method of claim 20, further comprising:obtaining the first power signal from an electrical wall outlet.
 23. Themethod of claim 20, further comprising: coupling at least one electricalload to the at least one power output.